Burseraceae
Commiphora obovata
Ovate Myrrh
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
A spiny shrub or small tree, reaching up to 5 metres tall, with dark grey, smooth bark that may or may not peel. Its leaves are typically trifoliolate, with the central leaflet being elliptic-obovate to suborbicular, 10–30 x 6–21 mm, and having somewhat crenate-serrate to almost entire margins. The subglobose to obovoid fruits are 8–12 x 6–10 mm, with a pointed tip, and the pseudaril almost entirely covers the stone.
Where it works in Kilifi
This drought-tolerant shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or rocky soils, making it suitable for Kilifi-coast xeriscapes or dryland restoration projects. It can serve as a spiny specimen plant or be integrated into a naturalistic dry hedge.
Growing notes
This shrub thrives in well-drained soil and, once established, is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering. Propagation can be done from seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings. Note that the plant is spiny.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: selinawamucii.com, jstor.org, wikipedia.org, oneearth.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.