Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

72
Burseraceae
Commiphora stocksiana (Engl.) Engl.
(Syn: Balsamea stocksiana Engl.)
English name: Gum Gugal.
Local name: Bayisa gugal, Bhayi.
Description:
Common large shrub to small tree of arid zone up to 4 m tall. Leaves margin entire
on dentate. Flowers minute, pale yellow and red flowers on same plant. Cut
surfaces of twigs emit a pleasant smell, branches covered with papery bark.
Flowering Period:
March to July.
Habitat:
Atough xerophyte, found on calcareous rocks and stony
plateaux.
Uses:
During the cold season the plant yields a tasteless and
odorless gum which is collected by locals (source of
income),the gum has tremendous medicinal values,
used in different medicines e.g. to cure ulcer, sores.
Distribution:
Only restricted to lower elevated areas of Pakistan and
neighboringAfghanistan. Not common.