Commiphora species are deciduous and for most of the year the trees are without leaves, making identification difficult. Bark characteristics are then used to identify the trees.
The bark of most species peels off in papery pieces and flakes, often with a greenish layer underneath. Some bark is corky, while other species have variable bark.
All species exude a milky or watery sap when damaged. Most species produce aromatic resin, a gum-like substance which hardens as it runs down the stem.