African Myrrh

Basic Information

Common Name: African Myrrh
Scientific Name: Commiphora africana
Native Habitat: Southern and Eastern Africa, stretching from South Africa northwards through Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and into parts of East Africa like Tanzania, Kenya, and Somalia, extending into the Arabian Peninsula. It is often found in arid and semi-arid regions, including savannas, woodlands, and rocky areas.

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The genus *Commiphora*, known for its aromatic resins, has deep roots in human history, particularly concerning trade, medicine, and spiritual practices. While the specific species *Commiphora africana* might not have the same ancient global trade prominence as *Commiphora myrrha* (true myrrh) or *Commiphora gileadensis* (Balm of Gilead), it is an integral part of the diverse *Commiphora* landscape and holds significant historical and cultural importance within its native range. The botanical classification of *Commiphora africana* would have occurred as European botanists explored and cataloged the flora of Africa, likely during the 18th or 19th centuries. Its formal description is attributed to Austrian botanist Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin in 1797, distinguishing it from other members of the Burseraceae family.

Long before its formal botanical description, *Commiphora africana* was undoubtedly known and utilized by indigenous peoples across its vast African range. The plant produces a fragrant resin, though typically less abundant and perhaps different in chemical composition compared to the true myrrhs of the Horn of Africa and Arabia. This resin, along with other parts of the plant (bark, roots, leaves), has been used traditionally for various purposes. Local communities have employed *C. africana* in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as fevers, wounds, stomach complaints, and respiratory issues. The bark and roots might be used to make decoctions or poultices. The resin itself could be burned as incense, used in perfumes, or applied topically for medicinal or cosmetic purposes. Its presence in diverse ecological zones meant that different cultures within its range developed unique relationships and uses for the plant, passing down knowledge through generations.

Unlike some domesticated plants or horticultural novelties, *Commiphora africana* has not been extensively ‘cultivated’ in the modern, widespread agricultural sense for its resin globally, though local harvesting of wild plants has always occurred. Its cultivation is more common in specialized botanical gardens or by collectors interested in caudiciforms (plants with swollen bases) or rare succulents, or in landscaping projects in suitable arid climates. While individuals or communities in its native range might manage stands of the plant or transplant wildlings for easier access, large-scale plantations for resin comparable to those for frankincense or true myrrh have historically focused on other species. This is partly due to the potentially lower yield or different quality of resin compared to *C. myrrha*. However, with growing interest in natural products and traditional African pharmacopoeia, there is potential for increased study and sustainable cultivation practices for *C. africana*.

The historical narrative of *Commiphora africana* is therefore less about a single ‘discoverer’ or large-scale ‘cultivator’ and more about its persistent presence and utilization within the complex ecosystems and diverse cultures of Africa over millennia. Its history is woven into the fabric of local traditions, medicine, and daily life, long predating its recognition in Western botanical science. The modern appreciation for *C. africana* often lies in its ecological resilience, its fascinating botanical form (especially older, gnarly specimens), and its potential for traditional uses, reflecting a history deeply embedded in the African landscape.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

*Commiphora africana* is highly adapted to survive and thrive in the arid and semi-arid environments characteristic of its native range. Its most significant adaptation is its succulence, storing water in its trunk and stems, allowing it to endure long periods of drought. The thick, often gnarled or swollen trunk and branches act as reservoirs. During extreme dry spells, the plant may shed its leaves to minimize water loss through transpiration, surviving off stored reserves. The production of a fragrant resin may serve multiple adaptive purposes, including deterring herbivores or insects, sealing wounds, and potentially even reducing water loss by coating surfaces. The plant’s ability to quickly leaf out and resume growth after rainfall is also a critical adaptation to its seasonally wet-and-dry climate.

Propagation Methods

The most common and effective method for propagating *Commiphora africana* is via stem cuttings. Select healthy, mature stems and allow the cut end to callus over for several days to a week in a dry, airy location. Once callused, the cutting can be planted in a well-draining soil mix, similar to the requirements for mature plants. Watering should be minimal until roots develop. Rooting hormone can sometimes aid the process. Seed propagation is also possible but is generally slower and may result in variability; seeds should be sown in a gritty mix and kept warm and lightly moist until germination.

Toxicology

*Commiphora africana* is not typically listed among highly toxic plants. The resin extracted from the plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine by indigenous African communities, applied both internally (in prepared forms) and externally. While these traditional uses suggest a level of safety when prepared and used appropriately, ingesting large quantities of any part of the plant, including the resin, could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset or irritation. The primary concern with many *Commiphora* species, if any toxicological issue arises, is generally local irritation upon contact with sap or mild internal reaction upon ingestion. For pets (cats, dogs), ingestion would likely result in similar mild symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea due to the resinous nature, rather than severe poisoning, but veterinary advice should always be sought if a pet ingests a significant amount of any unfamiliar plant material.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Spider Mites: Tiny pests causing stippling on leaves, especially in dry conditions.
• Mealybugs: White, cottony insects found in leaf axils and on stems, feeding on sap.
• Scale Insects: Small, sessile insects that attach to stems and branches, sucking sap.

Diseases:

• Root Rot: Caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to mushy roots and wilting stems. This is the most common fatal issue.
• Fungal Spots: Less common, may appear on leaves or stems, often associated with high humidity or excessive moisture.

Other:

• Leaf Drop: Often a natural response to drought stress or the onset of dormancy in cooler/dryer conditions.
• Lack of Growth: Usually indicates insufficient light, incorrect watering (too much or too little), or temperatures that are too low.
• Shriveled Stems/Trunk: Can indicate severe underwatering or, paradoxically, root rot preventing water uptake.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

*Commiphora africana* is not considered botanically rare in the wild across its extensive native range, where it can be quite common in suitable habitats. However, large, old specimens with impressive, gnarled, or caudex-like forms can be less common and highly sought after by collectors of succulents or caudiciform plants, making these specific *specimens* rare in cultivation. Its rarity as a cultivated plant in the general nursery trade outside of specialized growers is moderate; it’s not as widely available as common succulents but can be found by dedicated enthusiasts. Factors contributing to perceived rarity in cultivation include its relatively slow growth rate in pot culture compared to some other plants, and the time required to develop a significant trunk or caudex.

Value:

The market value of a *Commiphora africana* specimen varies significantly based on several factors. Small cuttings or young plants are relatively inexpensive. However, larger, older plants with well-developed, characteristic swollen trunks or interesting branch structures command much higher prices. The aesthetic quality of the caudex or branching pattern is a major determinant of value among collectors. Provenance can also play a role; specimens collected sustainably or grown from known, desirable parent plants might have higher value. Current trends in the succulent and caudiciform collector market also influence demand and price; popular or aesthetically striking individuals will fetch more. A mature, impressive specimen grown over many years can be quite valuable.