Burseraceae
Commiphora africana var. glaucidula
Common Corkwood · Mkonu
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This deciduous tree is characterised by its distinctive peeling bark, often revealing a greenish or yellowish underlayer, and a crooked, sculptural form. It produces a fragrant resin when cut and is an important component of dry bushland habitats.
Where it works in Kilifi
Thriving in full sun and well-drained sandy or rocky soils, this species is perfectly suited for the challenging coastal environment. It makes an excellent specimen tree for arid landscapes, a restoration species, or can be incorporated into rockeries, requiring ample space for its spreading habit.
Growing notes
It exhibits a slow to moderate growth rate and, once established, requires minimal watering, being highly drought-tolerant. Extremely hardy and resilient to harsh conditions, care should be taken with its thorny branches during planting and maintenance.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.