Myrrh is the dried sap of a small, thorny tree or shrub, primarily the species Commiphora myrrha, belonging to the Burseraceae family. Its name comes from the Arabic word ‘murr,’ meaning “bitter,” referencing the resin’s distinctive taste. Valued for millennia, myrrh served as a precious commodity in ancient civilizations. Ancient Egyptians used it in embalming, while Greeks and Romans employed it in perfumes, incense, and medicine. This aromatic gum-resin, known for its complex, earthy fragrance, is still used today in perfumery, traditional medicine, and as ceremonial incense.
Mimicking the Native Habitat
Successful cultivation requires recreating the harsh, arid conditions of its native habitat in Northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The plant requires intense, full sun exposure, needing at least six hours of direct light daily to thrive. It is highly adapted to drought and extremely sensitive to cold, preferring a minimum temperature that does not dip below 50°F (10°C).
The soil composition must be engineered for extreme drainage to prevent root rot from overwatering. A sandy, rocky, or gritty mix is ideal, as the tree naturally grows on slopes and desert valleys. The native environment receives minimal annual rainfall, making a low-fertility, well-aerated substrate preferable to rich potting soil.
Starting the Myrrh Plant
Propagation of Commiphora myrrha is most reliably achieved through cuttings, as this method bypasses the challenges associated with seed germination. Hardwood cuttings, ideally about 12 inches (30 cm) long, should be collected near the end of the growing season. After cutting, the base must be allowed to dry for several days to form a protective callus before being placed in a well-draining, sandy substrate.
Seeds can also be used, though they often exhibit natural dormancy and have a low success rate. To improve germination, the seeds require scarification, a process of scratching the hard seed coat. Seeds should be sown in a warm environment, maintained between 80°F and 84°F (27°C and 29°C), and germination can take six to fourteen days.
Essential Care and Pruning
Once established, the myrrh tree requires a watering strategy that mimics alternating periods of heavy rain and long drought. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings, with deep saturation occurring every two to three weeks during the active growing season. Overwatering, especially during winter dormancy when the plant may shed its leaves, is the greatest threat to its health, often leading to fatal soft wood rot.
The tree is tolerant of nutrient-poor conditions, and fertilization is unnecessary; if desired, a light, balanced fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the growing months. Pruning should focus on maintaining structural integrity and encouraging the desired shape, and it is best performed in late winter or early spring. Regular pruning promotes lateral branching and keeps the plant relatively free from most common pests.
Harvesting the Aromatic Resin
The extraction of the aromatic oleo-gum resin is achieved through a process known as tapping or wounding the bark. Harvesters use a sharp tool to make shallow incisions into the bark of a mature tree, typically at least two to three years old. This injury induces the flow of a viscous, pale yellowish sap.
The sap is left on the tree for several weeks, hardening into small, translucent granules called “tears” upon exposure to air. The ideal timing for this process is during the warm, dry season, which encourages quick drying. After approximately 14 to 20 days, the hardened resin is scraped off the bark. The wound may then be re-opened for subsequent tapping cycles, which can occur up to 12 times in a season.