Myrrh is a natural gum-resin, valued for thousands of years. It is a yellowish-brown to reddish-brown substance with a bitter taste and an aromatic fragrance. This material is extracted from the sap of specific Commiphora trees. Historically, myrrh has been utilized across various cultures for its aromatic qualities, in ceremonial practices, and in traditional medicine.
The Myrrh-Producing Tree
Myrrh primarily originates from the Commiphora myrrha tree, a species within the Burseraceae family. This sturdy plant typically grows as a spiny shrub or small tree, reaching heights of up to 4 or 5 meters. Its distinctive bark is often silvery, whitish, or bluish-grey, peeling in papery flakes to reveal a greener under-bark that performs photosynthesis.
The branches are frequently knotted and end in sharp spines. Its leaves are small, often greyish-green, and trifoliate. These trees are well-adapted to arid environments, possessing a thick, flaky trunk and a root system that allows them to thrive in harsh conditions.
How Myrrh is Harvested
Myrrh is obtained by making careful incisions into the bark of the Commiphora tree. When a cut penetrates the bark and reaches the sapwood, the tree naturally secretes a resin as a protective response. This viscous, slightly scented exudate oozes from the wound.
As the sap is exposed to the air, it begins to harden. This process transforms the sticky liquid into solid, translucent yellowish to reddish-brown lumps, often referred to as “tears.” Harvesters typically allow 14 to 20 days for these tears to fully harden before carefully scraping them off the tree. After collection, the wound may be re-opened to encourage further resin production, continuing the cycle of harvesting.
Native Habitats of Myrrh Trees
The myrrh-producing Commiphora species are native to arid and semi-arid regions. Their primary native habitats include the Arabian Peninsula, including Yemen, Oman, and parts of Saudi Arabia. They are also widely distributed across Northeast Africa, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, and Eritrea.
These trees flourish in challenging environmental conditions, typically in open bushland characterized by shallow, stony soil, often overlying limestone. They are found at altitudes ranging from approximately 250 to 1,300 meters, thriving in areas that receive limited mean annual rainfall, often between 230 and 300 millimeters.