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 edulis subsp edulis, synonymously known as Commiphora chlorocarpa, Commiphora morogorensis or Commiphora trollii and commonly known as Rough-leaved Corkwood in English or Skurweblaar-kanniedood in Afrikaans, is a South African indigenous shrub or small tree growing from 2 – 10 metres tall. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of resin and wood.

It ranges from East Africa – Ethiopia and Somalia, south to Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa growing in deciduous shrubland at elevations from 450 – 1500 metres in thicket or mixed woodland or bush in the hotter and drier areas of southern Africa in sunny positions in well-drained, rocky soils. It has very pale grey to whitish flaky bark and light green hairy leaves.

From spring to summer, it produces small yellow flowers in heads which are followed by Apricot-coloured round edible fruit that are eaten by birds, rodents, baboons and humans. Medicinally, an infusion of the bark is used to treat malaria. The roots, leaves and stem are used as a remedy for stomachache, menstrual problems etc. The tree protects the surrounding soil from erosion while the leaf litter helps to enhance soil fertility. A gum-resin exudes from the cut stems. It is fairly scented, sparse or sometimes copious and milky. It can be used as glue for attaching feathers to arrows. The wood makes a good fuel.