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THE MYRRH TREE. 
Although true Myrrh or Hofali is yielded by only one particular kind of plant, 
yet there is little doubt but the produce of all the above, and perhaps several other 
allied species, are mixed with it, previously to its exportation to other and distant 
countries, winch may in some measure account for the different opinions of persons 
who have visited the localities where the plants grow. 
There are growing naturally in the rocky parts of Arabia, two species of Balsamo- 
dendron ; one is known by the native name of Kafal, and the other Kataf ; one of 
which may possibly on further examination be found to be identical with B. Myrrha 
of Nees, and the other may not unlikely prove to be B. Africanum. 
Balsamodendron Kafal (b) grows to a bush about twelve or fifteen feet high, 
corresponding in some degree with Major Harris's description of his second variety 
of Myrrh tree. The leaves are trifoliate, leaflets serrated at the top, the younger 
ones villous. Calyx four- toothed, permanent. Petals four, linear-oblong, in duplicate, 
valvate in aestivation. Berry compressed, with a prominent dot at the top. Whether 
this plant is identical with B. Africanum, the Niouttout of Adanson, it is difficult to 
say. It is stated to be found growing upon the rocks about 1000 feet above the 
level of the sea, and thus clothing the arid waste with a lovely verdure, and at the 
same time supplying an article of great value to mankind. 
Balsamodendron Kataf, of Kunth, (b) the Amyris Kataf, of Forsk, — is a dwarf 
spreading shrub, reaching sometimes from twelve to fourteen feet in height, but 
DESCRIPTION OF THE WOODCUT. 
a Balsamodendron Gileadensis. 6 Balsamodendron Kataf. c Colophonia zeylanica. 
