Commiphora pyracanthoides is a hardy, deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a dense, twiggy crown of sparse leaves clustered on short spin tipped branchlets. The attractive peeling bark is yellow, revealing green blotches on the stem.
It bears small clusters of red flowers in September and October. The small round, sharp-tipped berries split to reveal black seeds with bright red pseudarils which are much sought after by birds.
It has many traditional uses and the roots are edible. The twigs are used as fire sticks. It makes an interesting form and container plant and can be used to create beautiful bonsai.
Plant in a hot, dry area in full sun and well-drained soil.
Size: 3 to 6m