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Commiphora monstruosa

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In Stock · Ships in 48h
$ 25.00 / plant
Attribute Option
Quantity Qty
1
Sales Type Retail, Same Batch
Product Size W1cm
Weight 0.1 kg
Propagation Method Seed-grown
Genus Burseraceae

Description

Scientific Name

Commiphora monstruosa (H.Perrier) Capuron

Geographic & Climate

Geographic Coordinates

  • Type Locality / Distribution Area: Southwest Madagascar, primarily around Toliara (Tuléar) province, extending between latitudes 23°15′S to 23°30′S and longitudes 43°35′E to 44°05′E.

Climate Classification

  • Climate Zone: Tropical Semi-Arid / Desert Climate (BSh / BWh under the Köppen climate classification).

Habitat Characteristics

  • Altitude: Low-elevation littoral and sub-littoral zones, ranging from 5 to 150 meters above sea level.

  • Precipitation: Highly erratic and minimal, averaging 300–400 mm annually. The region suffers from a severe, prolonged dry season lasting 8 to 9 months (typically from April to November).

  • Soil Matrix: Strictly lithophytic or xerophytic, growing in thin organic layers over tertiary limestone plateaus (Toliara coral rag structures) or skeletal, heavily drained calcareous red sands.

Botanical Morphology

Diagnostic Features

  • Branching & Architecture: Highly distinctive, intricate zig-zag (divaricating) branch topology. Unlike typical upright Commiphora trees, the terminal twigs are spine-tipped, acutely angled, and heavily interlocking.

  • Trunk & Bark: Forms a stout, gnarled, flask-shaped or semi-shrubby succulent pachycaul trunk (up to 15 cm in diameter). The outer bark is papery, metallic gray to deep purple-brown, peeling away in extremely thin, translucent horizontal curls to reveal a photosynthetic, green under-bark.

  • Foliage & Rachis: Leaves are small, pinnately compound, and seasonally deciduous. The crucial diagnostic feature differentiating it from mimicking sympatric genera (like Operculicarya) is its completely unwinged (terete) leaf rachis and fine, short velvety pubescence on the leaf surface.

  • Resin: Exudes a clear, intensely aromatic, volatile gum-resin upon mechanical wounding, characteristic of true Myrrh.

Growth Habit

  • Dormancy Season: Strict winter/dry season deciduous dormancy (typically entering leafless dormancy under cultivation from late autumn through early spring).

  • Growth Rate: Extremely slow-growing.

  • Ultimate Size: In habitat, it forms a compact, highly branched shrub or small tree reaching 1.0 to 1.5 meters in height, making it highly prized for specimen-level bonsai training.

History & Etymology

Etymology

  • Genus (Commiphora): Derived from the Greek words kommi (meaning "gum") and -phoros (meaning "bearing" or "carrying"), referencing the resin-exuding nature of the family.

  • Species (monstruosa): From the Latin mōnstrōsus, meaning "monstrous" or "strange/unnatural," referring to its bizarrely contorted, gnarled, and interlocking zig-zag branch morphology.

Historical Context

  • This species was originally discovered and described by the French botanist Joseph Marie Henry Alfred Perrier de la Bâthie in 1944, who initially placed it within the genus Operculicarya due to its superficial vegetative similarities (Operculicarya monstruosa).

  • In 1962, the French forestry botanist René Paul Raymond Capuron published a critical revision in the journal Adansonia (sér. 2, 2: 270), correctly transferring the species to Commiphora after evaluating its distinct reproductive floral structures (dioecious flowers and typical 2-locular drupe fruits) and unwinged leaf rachis.

 

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.

  • 5 stars: 18 (86%)
  • 4 stars: 3 (14%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
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先程受け取りました!!
とても新鮮で安心した取引になりました!!!!
またよろしくお願いします!!

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