Hairy corkwood

Hairy corkwood (Commiphora africana): This deciduous, many-stemmed shrub or small tree usually grows from 1 to 4m high. It is common and widespread across northern Namibia and inhabits most soil types preferably with well-drained sand. Locations include Epupa Falls, Kaokoland, Etosha National Park, Kunene and Kavango River regions, Rundu, Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) and the Otavi, Tsumeb, Grootfontein areas as well as Tsumkwe and Kaudom Game Park.

A green under bark is visible once the dark grey to greenish-grey bark has flaked off in thin yellow pieces. Branchlets are plum-coloured to grey-white and both upper and lower sides of the leaves are olive-green. Small, greenish-pink to red flowers bloom from October to February.

Uses include making dye material from bark extracts. Roots and leaves can treat snakebites. The sap makes for a refreshing drink and the long roots can be chewed for their liquid properties. Wood can be carved to make household utensils and the resinous gum is edible.

Dik-dik browse the leaves. The hairy corkwood is also known as the poison-grub corkwood as it hosts species of 'poison-grub' insects, used for arrow poison.