RN-CMPH-00009

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Commiphora kataf subsp. turkanensis J.B.Gillett

Turkana kataf myrrh

Subspecies of Commiphora kataf described by J.B. Gillett, endemic to Turkana County in north-west Kenya. Inhabits the extreme arid scrublands of the north-western Rift Valley, one of the driest and hottest environments in Kenya. Shares with the parent species the production of aromatic resin and succulent bark, but shows local morphological adaptations to the edaphic and climatic conditions of the Turkana Basin.

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eco

Family

Burseraceae

Genus

Commiphora

Conservation Status

Data Deficient (DD) – IUCN. Endemic to a limited geographic area (Turkana, Kenya); potentially vulnerable to habitat disturbance.

Growth Habit

Spiny shrub 1–3 m, compact to erect habit. Succulent green-grey bark. More compact than the parent species, likely due to the even more xeric conditions of Turkana.

Overview

Category	Classification
Family	Burseraceae
Genus	Commiphora
Growth Habit	Spiny shrub 1–3 m, compact to erect habit. Succulent green-grey bark. More compact than the parent species, likely due to the even more xeric conditions of Turkana.
Conservation Status	Data Deficient (DD) – IUCN. Endemic to a limited geographic area (Turkana, Kenya); potentially vulnerable to habitat disturbance.
pH Target	7.0–8.5
Type	Alluvial sandy, stony-calcareous

Origin & Habitat

Native Region

Kenia (condado de Turkana)

Ecosystem

Resinous shrub

Requirements

Recommended Substrate

Soil & Substrate

landslide

pH Target 7.0–8.5

Type

Alluvial sandy, stony-calcareous

groups Beneficial Associations

Associated with Acacia tortilis, Salvadora persica, and other Commiphora in the arid scrublands of the Turkana Basin.

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Propagation Strategy

Hard

Season: Rooting:

Hard

Season: Rooting:

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Key Tip

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Common Mistake

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Repotting

Every 4–6 years. Minimise root disturbance when repotting.

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Fertilizer

Minimal fertilization: very diluted mineral fertilizer (cactus type) once a year in May.

Uses & Applications

Uses

Probable local use of the resin by Turkana communities as incense or traditional medicine, in line with the parent species uses. The rarity and endemism of the subspecies give it value as a specialist botanical collection specimen.

warning

Precautions / Toxicity

No specific toxicity data. Same precautions as the parent species (C. kataf).

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science

"Subspecies of C. kataf (RN-CMPH-00008) endemic to Turkana (Kenya), described by J.B. Gillett. The species Commiphora molmol (true myrrh, RN-CMPH-00010, pending addition) is taxonomically close to C. kataf and is frequently confused with it in the resin trade. Molecular revision of this complex (kataf / molmol / turkanensis) is a priority to clarify species boundaries."

Researcher Notes — RN-CMPH-00009

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Scientific Integrity

🟢 High

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Discussion

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Disclaimer

This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.