A stunning, small Commiphora rarely more than 1 m tall with a thick, swollen trunk with smooth, pale bark and a spreading crown of reddish to purplish branches with small, pinnate leaves. The flowers are small and yellowish and followed by small, bright red fruits. Commiphora wildii inhabits some of the driest deserts in northwestern Namibia, where it grows on rocky ground with little other vegetation. When touched, the plant emits a strong, fruity fragrance with pine notes. The naturally exuded resin and the fruits are used in making perfume. In cultivation it is very rare.