Brown-stemmed corkwood
Commiphora giessii
Family: Burseraceae
What it is like
A shrub. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 1-3 m high. The bark is smooth and shiny. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The leaflets do not have stalks. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The flowers are small and red or green. The fruit is almost round.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid areas. It grows in places with a marked dry season. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall of 50-200 mm. It grows in well drained rocky soils. In southern Africa it grows between 400-800 m above sea level. It can tolerate drought. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Namibia, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The stems are chewed for their moisture.
Edible parts
Stems
How it is grown
It can be cut back and will re-grow.
Its other names
Local names
Laoab, Omuhatji, Toro