Status:
valid
Authors:
Engl.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1896
Citation Micro:
Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(4): 253 (1896)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000617414
Common Names
- Playfairii Myrrh
- Playfairii Balsam
- Playfairii Commiphora
Synonyms
- Balsamodendrum playfairii Hook.f. ex Oliv. [unknown]
Description
Commiphora playfairii (also called Playfair's Balsam, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree with a greyish-brown bark. It is native to the tropical regions of Africa, and grows in dry and rocky habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Commiphora playfairii has been used as a traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, headache, and stomachache. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties. It has been used as a natural insect repellent and as a natural dye for fabrics.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Commiphora playfairii is a small, white, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedling is a small, green, oval-shaped seedling.
Cultivation and Propagation
Commiphora playfairii can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems and placed in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings are established.
Where to Find Commiphora playfairii
Commiphora playfairii can be found in the dry regions of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Commiphora playfairii FAQ
What is the common name of Commiphora playfairii?
Playfairii myrrh
What is the natural habitat of Commiphora playfairii?
Dry and rocky areas of the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa, and India
What is the traditional use of Commiphora playfairii?
Used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases, coughs, and colds
Species in the Commiphora genus
Commiphora gariepensis,
Commiphora lacerata,
Commiphora steynii,
Commiphora kuneneana,
Commiphora otjihipana,
Commiphora acuminata,
Commiphora africana,
Commiphora alata,
Commiphora alaticaulis,
Commiphora anacardiifolia,
Commiphora angolensis,
Commiphora angustifoliolata,
Commiphora ankaranensis,
Commiphora antunesii,
Commiphora aprevalii,
Commiphora arafy,
Commiphora arenaria,
Commiphora baluensis,
Commiphora berardellii,
Commiphora berberidifolia,
Commiphora berryi,
Commiphora boranensis,
Commiphora brevicalyx,
Commiphora caerulea,
Commiphora campestris,
Commiphora capensis,
Commiphora capuronii,
Commiphora caudata,
Commiphora cervifolia,
Commiphora chaetocarpa,
Commiphora chevalieri,
Commiphora chiovendana,
Commiphora ciliata,
Commiphora coleopsis,
Commiphora confusa,
Commiphora corrugata,
Commiphora crenatoserrata,
Commiphora cuneifolia,
Commiphora cyclophylla,
Commiphora dalzielii,
Commiphora dinteri,
Commiphora discolor,
Commiphora drake-brockmanii,
Commiphora dulcis,
Commiphora edulis,
Commiphora eminii,
Commiphora engleri,
Commiphora enneaphylla,
Commiphora erlangeriana,
Commiphora erosa,
Species in the Burseraceae family
Ambilobea madagascariensis,
Aucoumea klaineana,
Beiselia mexicana,
Boswellia globosa,
Boswellia ameero,
Boswellia bullata,
Boswellia carteri,
Boswellia dalzielii,
Boswellia dioscoridis,
Boswellia elongata,
Boswellia frereana,
Boswellia microphylla,
Boswellia nana,
Boswellia neglecta,
Boswellia ogadensis,
Boswellia ovalifoliolata,
Boswellia papyrifera,
Boswellia pirottae,
Boswellia popoviana,
Boswellia rivae,
Boswellia sacra,
Boswellia serrata,
Boswellia socotrana,
Bursera roseana,
Bursera silviae,
Bursera toledoana,
Bursera altijuga,
Bursera amplifolia,
Bursera angustata,
Bursera aptera,
Bursera arida,
Bursera ariensis,
Bursera aromatica,
Bursera aspleniifolia,
Bursera attenuata,
Bursera bicolor,
Bursera biflora,
Bursera bipinnata,
Bursera bolivarii,
Bursera bonetii,
Bursera brunea,
Bursera cerasifolia,
Bursera chemapodicta,
Bursera cinerea,
Bursera citronella,
Bursera collina,
Bursera confusa,
Bursera copallifera,
Bursera coyucensis,
Bursera crenata,