Sand commiphora, Sand corkwood
Commiphora angolensis

Family: Burseraceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. The bark becomes brown and flakes off. Young branches are densely hairy. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. These can be divided. The leaflets are 6 cm long by 2 cm wide. The are narrowly oblong. There are rounded teeth along the edge. The flowers appear with the young leaves. They are in groups 8 cm long in the axils of leaves. The fruit are about 1 cm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in Kalahari sands. It grows in semi-desert.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The red bark is removed then the root is chewed and sucked for the juice.

Edible parts

Root, tuber

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mumwatikatiki

Synonyms

Commiphora kwebensis N. E. Br.; Commiphora oliveri Engl.; Commiphora rehmannii Engl.;