Commiphora humbertii

Name: Commiphora humbertii
Brand: BotanicalCollector
SKU: 71351256252669
Price: 40.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Commiphora

$ 40.00 / plant

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Sales Type	Retail, Same Batch
Product Size	W1-1.5cm
Packaged Weight	0.2 kg
Propagation Method	Seed-grown

Cataloged as

Pachycaul Trees

Description

Geographic & Climate

Geographic Coordinates: 23°S–25°S, 43°E–45°E (Southwestern and Southern Madagascar)

Climate Classification: Tropical semi-arid / Arid climate (Köppen-Geiger: BWh / BSh)

Habitat Characteristics: Low altitude ranging from 50 to 300 meters above sea level; characterized by extreme seasonal precipitation (less than 400 mm annually with a prolonged dry season lasting 8 to 9 months); substrate consists of dry rocky soils, limestone escarpments, and orange sand formations

Botanical Morphology

Diagnostic Features: Arborescent succulent shrub or small tree possessing a distinct thick, swollen, club-shaped trunk with peeling, papery, cork-like tan-to-grey bark. Branches bear slender, short twigs carrying small, alternate, compound green leaves and exude a fragrant balsamic resin when cut.

Growth Habit: Deciduous winter-dormant caudiciform shrub; exceptionally slow-growing; ultimate height under cultivation typically ranges between 40 cm to 1.5 meters.

History & Etymology

Etymology: The genus name Commiphora derives from the Greek words "kommi" (gum) and "phoros" (carrying), referring to the resin-producing channels in the bark. The specific epithet humbertii honors the prominent French botanist Jean-Henri Humbert (1887–1967), an authority on the flora of Madagascar.

Historical Context: First collected and documented during botanical explorations in Madagascar's rigorous southern dry forests, this species gained prominence among specialized caudiciform and bonsai collectors due to its striking corky trunk texture and miniature tree architecture.

Care Guide

Essential Care Tips for Thriving Plants

Light

Provide partial to full sun. Most plants thrive on direct UV exposure. Avoid placing behind window glass, as it filters out the essential UV rays needed for healthy growth.

Water

Follow the "Soak and Dry" principle. Ensure the top 2–3 cm of soil is bone dry before watering (use the finger test). Reduce frequency in winter, but do not stop watering entirely.

Temperature

The ideal range is 18–35 °C. Maintain temperatures above 5 °C during winter. Please note that temperatures below 0 °C pose a significant risk of plant death.

Humidity

Best kept at 30–50% humidity. Note: High air humidity is not a substitute for root watering. Avoid overly damp areas to prevent root rot or leggy side shoots.

Soil

A loose, well-draining medium is ideal. A mix containing 50–70% grit or mineral soil is recommended for aeration. Outdoor ground planting is also a viable option.

Fertilizer

Fertilize during repotting using Osmocote A2 slow-release fertilizer. Apply sparingly twice a year, or adjust the fertilizer type based on your specific home environment.

Planting Guide

Start Your Green Journey in 4 Steps

Unbox & Inspect

Carefully unpack and inspect the plant’s body and roots. We recommend taking photos or videos immediately for your records. Place it in a shaded, well-ventilated spot for 1–2 days to acclimate to its new environment.

Potting & Placement

After 24 hours of rest, pot the plant using slightly moistened soil. Place it in a bright, airy location to encourage recovery. Keep away from AC vents or heaters to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations.

First Watering

Use water that has sat for at least 24 hours. If using the damp-potting method, wait 2–3 days before the first watering. Ensure a thorough soak until water drains freely from the bottom.

Daily Care

Monitor leaf condition and soil moisture daily. If the soil remains damp, increase ventilation rather than watering. Proper airflow is essential to prevent root rot and ensure lasting health.