Commiphora myrrha
From www.plantsasmedicine.com
Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh) is a tree from which true myrrh is harvested. The tree is in the same Burseracea family as Boswellia sacra Flueckinger[1] (true frankincense) and balsam. Several other incense trees are in the Burseracea family.
Commiphora myrrha is native to Africa (Djibouti, eastern Ethiopia, Somalia and northeastern Kenya) and the Arabian Penninsula (Oman and Yemen).[1]
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Synonyms
- Balsamodendrum myrrha Nees[1][2]
- Commiphora cispidata Chiov.[2]
- Commiphora coriacea Engl.[2]
- Commiphora molmol (Engl.) Engl.[1][2]
- Commiphora myrrha var. molmol Engl.[1][2]
- Commiphora playfairii (Oliv.) Engl. var. benadirensis Chiov.[2]
Cultivation
The tree can easily be propagated by cuttings, in the best case toward the end of the budding season.[5] One method is to take a cutting from a young branch, taking about a third of it, that is, about 30–100 cm.[6] The cutting, "should be left to dry for a few days before being planted."[6]
The tree can also be grown from seed,[7] but the seeds can be extremely difficult to germinate.[8] Commiphora myrrha is a popular bonsai tree, which has the advantage of being able to grow new bark and heal very quickly.[7]
The tree's natural habitat altitude range is about 250–1300 m (820–4,265 ft.), with an average yearly rainfall of about 230–300 mm (9–12 in.).[2] It is found growing in areas of shallow soil on top of limestone.[2]
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 Herbarium specimen |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Commiphora myrrha information from NPGS/GRIN (www.ars-grin.gov)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Commiphora myrrha Species Information (www.worldagroforestrycentre.org)
- ↑ Commiphora myrrha from B & T World Seeds (b-and-t-world-seeds.com)
- ↑ PlantFiles: Detailed information on Myrrh Gum Commiphora myrrha (davesgarden.com)
- ↑ Myrrh (www.herbs2000.com)
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Trees of Somalia: Chapter 2. Tree descriptions: Dheddin - Commiphora myrrha (nzdl.sadl.uleth.ca)
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Commiphora myrrha (www.cactus-art.biz)
- ↑ Biblical Burseraceae (www.hort.wisc.edu)
