Commiphora merkeri
Commiphora merkuri, commonly known as Merker's myrrh, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to arid African regions. Renowned for its aromatic resin, this plant offers significant therapeutic potential. Traditional healers utilize its extracts for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, highlighting its vital role in natural pharmacology and ethnobotany.
- Scientific name: Commiphora merkeri
- Family: Burseraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It further falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales, being a member of the family Burseraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Commiphora, specifically as the species Commiphora merkeri.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Burseraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Commiphora | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Commiphora merkuri, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called merkuri myrrh, while in German, it is known as merkuri myrrhe. In French, the species is identified as myrrhe de merkuri, and in Spanish, it is referred to as mirra de merkuri.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, it can be found growing within the borders of Kenya. Its range extends further south into Tanzania, which is also part of the East Tropical Africa region. Moving into South Tropical Africa, the species is documented in Mozambique. Finally, the geographical presence of this medicinal plant includes Zimbabwe.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Commiphora merkeri, is a species often valued for its therapeutic potential, and its medicinal properties are primarily concentrated within its specific anatomical structures. Among its various components, the roots serve as a vital part of the organism, often containing concentrated bioactive compounds that are utilized in traditional herbal practices. While other parts of the plant may also possess utility, the roots play a fundamental role in the plant's biological functions and contribute significantly to its overall medicinal profile.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Commiphora merkeri has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |