Twenty or more species of this burseraceous genus of aromatic, resinous trees (the Arabian C. myrrha is the source of myrrh, for example) inhabit the dry and not so dry forests of Madagascar. Some are distinctly caudiciform; others are pachycaulous to various degrees. C. grandifolia is widespread in tropical and dry forests as well as in cultivation throughout Madagascar. It forms a shrub or small tree from 1 to 5 m with thickened trunks and peeling bark. It has attractive pinnate leaves that can turn orange to burgundy before a winter dormancy that corresponds to the Madagascan dry season. HBG 91546, plants grown from seed ex Herman Petignat without further data. $12.50.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 77 (2), March - April, 2005