A myrrh-producing tree distributed from Ethiopia across the Arabian Peninsula, and one of the more readily available members of the genus Commiphora. It anchors itself in the searing limestone country of the Horn of Africa and Arabia, slowly thickening into a caudex-like trunk with smooth bark. When wounded, the bark weeps a fragrant resin — the classical myrrh of antiquity, gathered for incense and medicine since ancient times. The plant drops its leaves through the dry season, gradually taking on the gnarled, weathered character that collectors prize. An approachable entry point into the genus that rewards patient growers shaping a tree from seed over the long term, given strong sun and a sharply draining mix. The currently accepted name in POWO (Kew) is Commiphora kua (Vollesen 1984), but in horticultural trade habessinica remains the dominant convention and is used on this site.
Native climate
Rainfall is spread fairly evenly across the year. Overall a mild climate.
A broad-scale picture of the native range. Real growing spots — rock crevices, fog belts — can be milder.
Sources: climate & elevation WorldClim 2.1 (1970–2000) · occurrences GBIF · native range POWO
Care
Light & Placement
A heat-loving species from the searing limestone country of the Horn of Africa, demanding strong light and warmth. Place outdoors in full sun through the growing season — direct sun deepens the bark color and supports steady trunk thickening. Humidity is the bigger risk than light, so shelter from rain and prioritize airflow; light shading helps in Japan's worst summer heat. Bring indoors to a bright window before temperatures fall below 8°C.
Watering
During active growth, soak thoroughly once the topsoil is fully dry, letting water drain freely, then dry the surface quickly with good airflow. Withhold water completely through winter dormancy.
Substrate
A sharply draining inorganic mix is essential. Akadama : Kanuma : pumice at 4:3:3 works well; sift out fines to prevent root rot and damping-off in the caudex.
Fertilizer & Supplements
A dilute liquid fertilizer once a month through the growing season. Keep nitrogen low to avoid etiolation; phosphorus-leaning feeds support trunk thickening.
Temperature & Overwintering
Optimal 20–35°C, on the hotter end of the genus. Cold tolerance is poor; aim for an 8°C floor. Brief dips below 5°C bring black blotches and soft rot. Hold fully dry indoors in a bright, warm spot and pull back from cold windows on freezing nights.
Starting from Seed
Where to source seeds
Pre-sowing treatment
Soak seeds for about 7 hours in a mix of a registered seed-treatment fungicide (Benlate or Daconil) and a plant tonic (Menedael; outside Japan, SUPERthrive or a chelated iron / seaweed extract works similarly), each diluted per label. Freshness strongly governs germination — old seed lots may turn out to be empty, so source recent seed and sow promptly.
Substrate
A fine-grained inorganic mix — fine akadama and fine hyuga at roughly equal parts. Sterilize with boiling water or a brief microwave pass before sowing.
Sowing method
Level the surface, lay seeds on their sides, and cover with the thinnest possible dusting of substrate. Avoid deep sowing on this caudex-former.
Light & temperature
Bright shade out of direct sun, with temperatures held at 25–32°C. Lean to the warmer side and stabilize with a heat mat.
Watering
Bottom-water continuously until germination to keep the mix evenly moist. Continue shallow bottom watering afterward and avoid drying out.
Fertilizer
Once two or three true leaves have emerged, apply a liquid feed diluted to less than half strength, monthly. Stronger doses burn fine roots.
From Germination to Repotting
Germination through true leaves
Continue bottom watering and keep humidity up.
Weaning off bottom watering
Wean gradually over 1–2 months.
First repotting
Year 1–2, once roots have filled the pot.
Common Pitfalls
Mold & damping-off
- Cause: Excess moisture, microbes
- Prevention: Sterilize the substrate, ensure ventilation
Low germination rate
- Cause: Seed freshness, insufficient heat
- Prevention: Use fresh seed, use a heat mat
Etiolation
- Cause: Insufficient light
- Prevention: Manage light levels
Notes
Below 5°C, black spots and soft rot appear on the trunk. Keep it out of the rain and away from humid corners.
