Burseraceae
Commiphora lindensis
Abyssinian Myrrh
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This deciduous shrub or small tree typically grows up to 3-5 metres tall, often multi-stemmed and spiny. Its outer bark peels in papery strips, exposing a green under-bark, and produces a sticky, faintly scented exudate. Leaves can be simple or trifoliolate, sometimes serrate, appearing with or before the small yellowish-green or pale red flowers. The fruit is an ovoid, single-seeded drupe, green and red, which splits to reveal an orange or pale yellow seed with a four-lobed aril.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for hot, sunny locations in a Kilifi-coast garden, this drought-tolerant species thrives in well-drained, gritty or rocky soils. It can be used as a spiny specimen, in xeriscape designs, or for restoration in arid landscapes.
Growing notes
Commiphora lindensis is a slow-growing plant that requires ample sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant, but benefits from some water during its growing phase. For propagation, soaking seeds for 24 hours before sowing can aid germination.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, kew.org, theferns.info, botanical-dermatology-database.info, unimelb.edu.au, exotic-gardenkingdom.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.