Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) Assignment 5 PDF
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This document is an assignment about the plant Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha). It details its botanical characteristics and the various aspects of the commercial use of myrrh, including the harvesting, processing, and uses of the resin. The assignment covers the different steps and techniques involved in the harvesting, processing, and use of myrrh in various ways.
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**ASSIGNMENT 5 - MYRRH (*Commiphora myrrha*)** ** BOTANICAL INFORMATION**: - Which plant family does this species belong to? Burseraceae family - What type of plant is it: (a) herbaceous or woody; (b) herb, shrub or tree; (c) annual, biennial or perennial? - What is its [native] d...
**ASSIGNMENT 5 - MYRRH (*Commiphora myrrha*)** ** BOTANICAL INFORMATION**: - Which plant family does this species belong to? Burseraceae family - What type of plant is it: (a) herbaceous or woody; (b) herb, shrub or tree; (c) annual, biennial or perennial? - What is its [native] distribution? ** COMMERCIAL USE OF THE PLANT**: - What part of the plant is used commercially? - How is it harvested, processed and used? 1. **Selection of Trees**: Experienced harvesters identify mature myrrh trees with resin-rich bark. 2. **Incision**: A series of incisions are made into the tree\'s bark using sharp tools. These incisions encourage the resin to ooze out slowly. 3. **Resin Collection**: Over time, the resin oozes out and forms droplets. Skilled harvesters carefully collect these resin droplets and allow them to dry. 4. **Hardening**: As the resin droplets dry, they transform into hardened \"tears\" that are then carefully collected and sorted based on their quality. 1. **Grading**: The collected resin tears are graded based on their quality. 2. **Cleaning**: The resin is cleaned to remove any impurities. 3. **Grinding**: The resin can be ground into a fine powder for various uses. 4. **Extraction**: Essential oils can be extracted from the resin through distillation.
