Myrrh
Commiphora myrrha

Family: Burseraceae

What it is like

A spiny tree that loses its leaves. It grows 5 m high and spreads 1.5 m wide. The leaves have 3 leaflets. They are oblong to oval. The end leaflet is about 1 cm long. The flowers are yellow-red and have 4 petals. The fruit are narrowly oval and 7 mm long.

Where it is found

A Mediterranean plant. It needs a temperature above 10-15°C. It grows best in bare, hot, dry soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Arabia, Asia, Australia, Djibouti, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Somalia (country/location of origin), Yemen

How it is used for food

The gum or resin is used to flavour soft drinks, soups, baked goods, puddings, candy and chewing gum. It is used in Swedish bitters - a tonic drink.

Edible parts

Gum - flavouring, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Dheddin, Dhidin malmal, Somali myrrh

Synonyms

Balsamea myrrha (T. Nees) Oken; Balsamea myrrha Baill.; Balsamea playfairii Engl.; Balsamodendrum myrrha T. Nees; Commiphora coriacea Engl.; Commiphora cuspidata Chiov.; Commiphora molmol (Engl.) Engl. ex Tschirch; Commiphora myrrha var. molmol Engl.; Commiphora rivae Engl.;