The myrrh genus, Commiphora, is the most species rich genus of flowering plants in the frankincense and myrrh family, Burseraceae. The genus contains approximately 190 species of shrubs and trees, which are distributed throughout the (sub-) tropical regions of Africa, the western Indian Ocean islands, the Arabian Peninsula, India, Vietnam, and South America. The genus is drought tolerant and common throughout the xerophytic scrub, seasonally dry tropical forests, and woodlands of these regions. The common name myrrh refers to several species of the genus, from which aromatic resins are derived for various fragrance and medicinal uses by humans.

The common name corkwood indicates that the wood is soft, although it is suitable for carving household items and ornaments. The Afrikaans name kanniedood (‘cannot die’) refers to the fact that cut branches or cuttings grow very easily when planted. Many species are armed with spines. Bark is often exfoliating, peeling in thin sheets to reveal colorful, sometimes photosynthetic bark, below. Stems are frequently succulent, especially in species native to drier environments. The stems of many species will exude aromatic resins when damaged. Products from many species of Commiphora have been used for various purposes, sometimes as timber, building material, and natural fencing, but more often valued for the aromatic resins produced by several members of the genus. “Myrrh”, the common name for these dried resins, is fragrant and has been used both as fragrance and for medicinal purposes. Use of myrrh resin is frequent and pronounced throughout historical texts of cultural significance, including the Bible.

Commiphora africana, commonly called African Myrrh, is a South African indigenous small deciduous tree. Closely related to Commiphora glandulosa, Commiphora africana is usually some 5m tall, its branchlets often ending in spines. Its bark is grey-green, peeling to reveal a shiny surface, red when damaged, and then exuding bdellium, a clear, edible, aromatic gum. The leaves are trifoliate and, as with most Commiphoras, pleasantly scented when crushed. The tree’s fruits are edible while the succulent, sweet roots are often chewed by humans.

Tree parts are used to treat a wide range of ailments – fruits for typhoid fever and stomach problems, bark for malaria, resin for convulsions and for covering and disinfecting wounds, and burnt resin as an insecticide and aphrodisiac. The soft, termite-resistant wood is used for carving domestic utensils, music instruments and general purpose items. An edible oil is also extracted and parts of the tree exhibit strong fungicidal properties.