Commiphora myrrha

Commiphora myrrha, called myrrh, Somali myrrh, herabol myrrh, common myrrh, is a tree in the family Burseraceae. It is one of the primary trees used in the production of myrrh, a resin made from dried tree sap. The Commiphora myrrha tree is indigenous to Somalia, in the Somali regions of Ethiopia and Kenya, Djibouti, Eritrea and parts of the Arabian Peninsula (Yemen and Oman).

Myrrh is a fragrant gum resin that is similar to frankincense. The tree species that produces myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) thrives well in the arid and semi-arid regions. Somalia is the largest producer of both myrrh and frankincense.

Myrrh has been used historically for over 3,000 years. Evidence of its use may be found as far back as the early days of ancient Egypt. It was employed there for embalming in a manner akin to that of frankincense. However, the raw material has also been used as incense for a very long time. Myrrh was and is still used for ceremonial incense and anointing in a number of nations, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Yemen.