Commiphora seed

[John Gamesby]

I have been trying to germinate Commiphora seed for a couple of years now with little success until this year when four out of 5 seeds of C. schimperi have germinated on damp filter paper in a petri dish at 30 deg C for ten hours then dropped to room temp at night 18-20 deg. C.
Also found this from Kew that might be of interest.

Commiphora schimperi Why are the seeds of this species difficult? The seeds may have physiological dormancy, which can be overcome by mimicking the seasonal patterns of the species' native habitat.
Commiphora schimperi (Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew)

Seed Storage This species is likely to have Orthodox seeds (based on other species in the same genus) - dry to 15-20% eRH and store at -20ºC, or as cool as possible.

Germination RequirementsGerminate on agar, germination paper or sand, at temperatures between 20 and 30°C (depending on local climatic conditions).

The seeds of this species may be Physiologically Dormant (based on other species in the same genus). If germination is low, this type of seed dormancy can be overcome by mimicking the seasonal patterns of the species' native habitat. Use a moist pre-chill or pre-heat treatment (depending on local climatic conditions) or a dry after-ripening treatment, before germinating the seeds on agar, germination paper or sand at their optimum temperature. If this does not work, you can perform delicate surgery to enable the embryo to grow. Excise the tissue near the root tip.

Seed Morphology
Commiphora schimperi
(Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew) TaxonomyFamily: BURSERACEAE

Accepted name: Commiphora schimperi Engl.

Synonyms: Commiphora betschuanica Engl., Commiphora resiniflua Martelli, Commiphora arussensis Engl., Commiphora neumannii Engl., Commiphora buraensis Engl., Commiphora hollisii Burtt Davy, Commiphora flabellulifera Chiov., Commiphora trothae Engl., Balsamodendrum schimperi O.Berg

Common name: glossy-leaved corkwood