Sukuf or Commiphora gileadensis has a history dating back to Old Testament times. It is a shrub or tree of three to four metres tall that grows in various places in Oman. Its dried sap is the origin of a type of myrrh (the word in Arabic translates as ‘bitter’, referring to the taste) known as ‘Mecca Balsam’ or ‘Balm of Gilead’, used for incense or as a medicinal chewing gum. It is from the same botanical family of plants as frankincense. A lot of websites provide information on its properties, e.g. http://www.herbresearch.de

In Dhofar, where Commiphora gileadensis is very common, it is more likely to grow in tree form (i.e. with a single stem at least one metre high above ground). This is because on the densely vegetated mountain slopes in that region during the summer monsoon, it requires more height to reach the tree canopy.

Another location in which the tree grows, and which is perhaps being reported for the first time here in this present column, is on the slopes of the Eastern Hajar mountain range, where it is quite common but grows bushy, presumably because it is not competing for sunlight as in Dhofar. Commiphora gileadensis is one of four types of Commiphora in Oman, and is the largest in size.

Historically, the region of Gilead is situated east of the Dead Sea in modern-day Jordan, and this land gives its name to the species. However, the tree does not grow in this region, being native to Oman, other areas of Arabia, and East Africa. Palestine was merely the place from where traders acquired the resin, prior to its being exported abroad, unless it once existed there but has since become extinct. So the specific name ‘gileadensis’, although now traditional, may have been assigned in error, with ‘Mecca balsam’ a more exact name.

Nowadays, a substance known as ‘Balm of Gilead’ is reported as being sold to tourists at Jericho, which is not derived from any Commiphora species, and is instead an oil product from the Balanites tree of that region. On the other hand, in the USA, the oil ‘Balm of Gilead’ is derived from a species of poplar tree. The real ‘Mecca balsam’ is somewhat rare in Oman and, if you can find it, sells in a souq for RO5-10 per kilo in raw form. It will more likely be found mixed with other ingredients for use as a ready-made incense.

The name of the genus Commiphora is translated from Ancient Greek as “gum-bearing”. This refers to the gum that the tree exudes naturally as a defence against infection whenever it becomes bloated due to absorption of rainwater, causing cracks in the outer skin. The tree’s bark is very thin and papery in texture. The resin myrrh mentioned in the Bible is derived from a related species of Commiphora plant, which is native to Yemen, but the Omani type is similar.

From the botanical point of view the plant is aromatic, with a smell like turpentine. Any cut surface exudes this powerful odour. Other features of the plant are unremarkable. The flowers are tiny pink tubes that scarcely open and are difficult to spot, the red fruit while edible are barely pea-size, and the small compound leaves are clover-like in shape. However, the book Plants of Dhofar, published by the Diwan in 1988, tells us of its other special uses:

• Its leaves and bark when dried can be used to make a very good tisane
• A drop of sap can sooth insect bites
• The dried leaves can be mixed with henna to darken the hair
• The bark is used to dye clothes

It is a fascinating plant that grows well in a pot in full sun, and fortunately for the unpractised houseplant owner needs only a very occasional watering.

Clive Winbow is the author of The Native Plants of Oman – An Introduction available at all local bookshops, price RO8