140 
THE MYRRH TREE. 
Although true Myrrh or Hofali is yielded by only one particular kind of plant, 1 
yet there is little doubt but the produce of all the above, and perhaps several other j 
allied species, are mixed with it, previously to its exportation to other and distant I 
countries, which may in some measure account for the different opinions of persons ” 
who have visited the localities where the plants grow. j 
There are growing naturally m the rocky parts of Arabia, two species of Balsamo- i 
dendron ; one is known by the native name of Kafal, and the other Kataf ; one of i 
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 (&) 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 j 
ones villous. Calyx four-toothed, permanent. Petals four, linear-oblong, induplicate, \ 
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 difi&cult 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 Kuntli, (6) the Amyris Kataf, of Forsk, — is a dwarf ■ 
spreading shrub, reaching sometimes from twelve to fourteen feet in height, but ' 
