Burseraceae
Commiphora africana
African myrrh
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
African myrrh is a small, deciduous tree typically growing 3-5 metres tall, occasionally reaching 10 metres. It features grey-green bark that peels to reveal a shiny surface, exuding an edible, aromatic gum when damaged. The branchlets often end in spines, and its trifoliate leaves are pleasantly aromatic when crushed. Reddish fruits, 6-8mm across, split open when ripe to reveal a black seed with a red, finger-like pseudo-aril.
Where it works in Kilifi
This drought-tolerant tree thrives in full sun and a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy, rocky, and red clay, making it ideal for the Kilifi coast. It can serve as a specimen, a small shade tree, a protective live fence, or be incorporated into dryland restoration and agroforestry systems.
Growing notes
Commiphora africana exhibits a slow growth rate and is extremely drought-tolerant once established, requiring infrequent watering during warmer months and allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. It is hardy and adapted to hot, dry conditions, tolerating temperatures between 18-40°C. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, theferns.info, seedsandall.co.za, grokipedia.com, worldagroforestry.org, antropocene.it. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.