Guggul (Commiphora wightii)

Family: Burseraceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Guggul, Commiphora wightii, is a flowering small tree or shrub grown in northern Africa to Central Asia. It reaches up to 4 m in height. It has thin papery bark, thorny branches, simple or trifoliate leaves, red to pink flowers, and small round fruits. The plant's bark yields gummy resin that is commonly used in perfumery and in incense. C. wightii is used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pungent gum is obtained from the bark. — A bitter, pungent gum is obtained from the bark.

Habitat & North American Range

Rocky and open hilly areas or rough terrain and sandy tracts in warm and semiarid to arid areas at elevations from 250 - 1,800 metres. (Zone 10)