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Commiphora capensis

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Author:  Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler, 1883
Family:  BURSERACEAE
Origin:  Northern Cape, Cape Province; South Africa, Namibia
Soil:  Mix
Water:  Minimum
Sun:  Maximum
Thickness:  15 Centimetres
Height:  80-400 Centimetres
Flower:  Greenish Yellow
Propagate:  Seeds/Cuttings
Names:  Namaqua Corkwood
Synonyms:  Balsamodendrum capense Sond.
Balsamea capensis, Engl.

This member of the Burseraceae  family was described by Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler inn 1883. It is found in the northern-western and southern South Africa and Namibia, growing in cracks of the limestone. The stem can grow to 15 centimetres in diameter, the whole bush can reach from 80 to 400 centimetres. The flowers are greenish-yellow.

The genera name from Greek kommi; 'gum' and Greek -phoros; 'carrying' for the balsam-like scented resin. The species name means 'from the cape'.


The fruit and the exposed seed.