Satin-bark corkwood
Commiphora tenuipetiolata
Family: Burseraceae
What it is like
A shrub or tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows up to 8-12 m tall. The bark is pale grey and peels off. The bark is blue-green underneath. The leaves have 3 leaflets or 2-4 pairs along the stalk with one at the end. The leaflets are narrowly oval. There can be teeth along the edge. Male and female flowers are on separate trees. The flowers are small and yellowish-green. They are in clusters on long stalks. The fruit are round and red when ripe.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in areas with a rainfall less than 600 mm per year and with a marked dry season. It is often on sandy or stony soil over limestone. It grows between 300-1,500 m above sea level. It can tolerate frost. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Bloustam, Mukwendekwende, Munyera, Mutahadzi