Commiphora molmol (Engl.) Engl. ex Tschirch
True Somali Myrrh
Spiny shrub or small tree of northeast Africa, a primary source of commercial Somali myrrh. Its oleoresin — obtained by incising the bark — has been used since antiquity in perfumery, medicine and religious rites. Closely related to Commiphora myrrha and frequently treated as synonymous.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Burseraceae |
| Genus | Commiphora |
| Growth Habit | Deciduous shrub or small tree, much-branched, with succulent bark and stout spines; reaches 3-5 m under optimal conditions. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) although populations declining due to resin overexploitation and habitat loss. |
| pH Target | 7,0-8,5 |
| Type | Calcareous, stony, very well draining. |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Calcareous, stony, very well draining.
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
D
E
Every 4-5 years; handle with gloves due to spines.
Very diluted succulent fertiliser, once in spring.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Resin in high doses may be toxic; contraindicated in pregnancy. Topical use generally safe with caution.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"The taxonomic relationship between C. molmol and C. myrrha is an ongoing debate; several authors treat them as synonymous. The original description by Engler and Tschirch's revision distinguish C. molmol by resin characters and leaf morphology. See also RN-CMPH-00012."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟢 HighVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
Discussion
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.