Glandular corkwood, Tall firethorn corkwood
Commiphora glandulosa

Family: Burseraceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It is erect with a single stem. It can grow 10 m high. The bark is grey to green. The leaves have an unpleasant smell. The are usually simple but can have 3 leaflets. The male and female flowers are often on separate plants. The flowers are small. The fruit are round and 14 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in hot arid areas with a marked dry season. It grows in areas with a rainfall below 100 mm per year. It can grow on a range of soils providing they are well drained. In southern Africa it grows between 30-1,550 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The gum is bitter but edible. The root has a sweet tasting water eaten in times of drought.

Edible parts

Gum, roots - drink

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chifata, Iminyela, Khoro, Liminyela, Mbwabwa, Moroko, Mugrowo, Mukwendekekwende, Munvuca, Munyera, Mutalu, Omukange, Seroka, Siroga

Synonyms

Commiphora pyracanthoides Engl. subsp. glandulosa (Schinz) Wild.;