Commiphora mollis

Common Names

Velvet Corkwood (english)
Fluweelkanniedood (afrikaans)
muukhuthu (venda)
mokomoto (tswana)

• 

Taxonomy

Family BURSERACEAE
Genus Commiphora
Species mollis
SA Plant Number 280
Basionym Commiphora mollis

Description

Commiphora mollis is a deciduous, small tree is surprisingly hardy for a Commiphora.The truly beautiful feature of this tree is its gorgeous grey to brown peeling bark that flakes off in thick discs, revealing greenish underbark.The compound leaves are pale-green to grey-green, yellowing in autumn.They are covered in short hairs giving them a velvety texture, hence the common name ‘Velvet Corkwood’.

The insignificant yellowish to pinkish flowers are borne in clusters from September to January.The flowers are followed by round, dull-red fruits with red pseudarils and, although they can persist on the tree until May, they seldom do as they are much sought after by birds.

They grow in the very hot parts of our country, are very drought resistant and live up to their name ‘Kanniedood’.This tough-looking tree makes an interesting form and container plant and is beautiful planted in groups.

Plant in well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. Protect from frost when young.

Size: 3 to 5 m

Wildlife

Uses

Distribution

Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga

External Links

View On Google Images
Search On IPNI