Velvet commiphora, Velvet corkwood
Commiphora mollis

Family: Burseraceae

What it is like

A small to medium sized tree. It grows to 8-12 m high. The leaves have 2-6 pairs of leaflets and one at the end. The lower pair are smaller. The flowers are small and yellow to pinkish. They are in clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit are almost round and 10 mm across. They are densely furry. They are green becoming red. The base of the stone is covered with a flat, scarlet false seed layer with 4 wings.

There are about 165 Commiphora species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They grow at medium to low altitude in hot, dry types of woodland. It grows on well-drained sandy or stony soils. It grows between 100-1,500 m above sea level. It grows in areas with a rainfall between 200-900 mm per year. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The roots are chewed raw.

Edible parts

Fruit, roots - drink, shoots, gum

How it is grown

It can be grown from large cuttings. It can be cut back and re-grow.

Its other names

Local names

Akamane, Dau-areb, Fluweelkaniedood, Ghor-ghor, Gohuti, Iminyela, Laiyamai, Muchamwa, Mugumbati, Mukuhunu, Mutchove, Muwawa, Omurenda, Riepwie, Soft-leaved commiphora, Xalolo

Synonyms

Balsamodendrum molle Oliv.; Commelina welwitschii Engl.;