Rough-leaved corkwood
Commiphora edulis

Family: Burseraceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It has several stems. They are usually twined. It grows 2-10 m high. The bark is light grey. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are compound and have leaflets along the stalk with a leaflet at the end. The leaflets are narrowly oval and 3-7 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The flowers are yellow. The fruit are almost round and 2.4 cm long by 2.3 cm wide. There are 3 subspecies.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in hot arid places where there is a marked dry season. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall or 500-800 mm. It grows in well-drained sandy soils. In southern Africa it grows between 450-1,500 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit is edible but not attractive.

The fruit are widely used.

Edible parts

Fruit, roots - drink, seed - aril

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. It can be grown from large cuttings. It can be cut back and it will re-grow.

Its other names

Local names

Coubo, Incobo, Kyoa kika, Moroka, Mokonoto, Mubobobo, Mucharoro, Mumwatikatiki, Skurweblaar, Shipon-doti

Synonyms

Commiphora boiviniana Engl.; Commiphora chlorocarpa Engl.; Commiphora morogoroensis Engl.; Commiphora pilosissima Engl.; Commiphora savoiae Chiov.; Commiphora scaberula Engl.; Commiphora trollii Mattick; Hitzeria edulis Klotzsch;