Burseraceae
Commiphora zanzibarica
Pendant-fruited corkwood
T
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A multi-stemmed shrub or small deciduous tree, Commiphora zanzibarica has smooth, pale grey bark that sometimes peels. Its leaves are clustered, imparipinnate with 3-5 pairs of oblong-lanceolate leaflets, and are slightly aromatic when crushed. Small creamy or yellow-green flowers give way to pendulous, ellipsoid, brown-red fruits featuring a fleshy, bright red pseudo-aril.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in hot, dry conditions and coastal thickets, making it ideal for restoration or as a specimen tree in a Kilifi-coast garden. It is well-suited for areas within the seasonally dry tropical biome.
Growing notes
As a member of a drought-tolerant genus, Commiphora zanzibarica requires minimal water once established. It is well-adapted to hot and seasonally dry environments.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: mozambiqueflora.com, kew.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw, earth.com, wikipedia.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.