Common Name:

General Information

Commiphora leptophloeos is a spiny, deciduous tree with a spreading, roundish crown; it can grow 6 - 9 metres tall. The short bole can be 40 - 60cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood and a gum. A very ornamental tree, it is often planted to provide shade[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - northeastern Brazil.

Habitat

Dryland forest and scrub, usually on well-drained, deep, chalky soils[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	8.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the 'Caatinga' dry forest region of northeast Brazil. The climate is hot and dry, there are usually 6 to 11 months without rain each year. The mean annual rainfall varies from 250 - 1,000mm, and the mean annual temperature is from 24 - 26°c.
Prefers a sunny position[]. Found in deep, well-drained, chalky soils in the wild[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An oil extracted from the seeds has medicinal properties[].

The plant (part not specified) is tonic and vulnerary[]. It is made into a syrup as a treatment against coughs and bronchitis, and is also used in the treatment of wounds, gastritis and ulcers[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used as a live hedge, providing protection from the wind[, ]. Green posts are used as fence posts to mark boundaries etc, but usually root to form trees[].
A natural pioneer species within its native range, it could be suitable for use in reforestation projects for dryland areas[].

Other Uses

A gum-resin obtained from the stems is used in the manufacture of varnishes and seals[].

The wood is medium-textured, straight-grained. It is light in weight, with moderate mechanical properties and susceptible to rot. Easy to work with, it is employed locally for primitive sculpture, domestic utensils, yokes etc[]. The wood is of high value and has a range of applications, being used in carpentry, construction, cuttings, boxing, floorboards, doors, windows, frames, furniture and crafts (for making masks and sculptures)[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of less than 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within a few weeks[]. When the seedlings have 4- 6 leaves, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 5 - 7 months later[].

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