There are approximately 190 species of Commiphora,  distributed from Africa across to India, the Myrrh resin is a natural gum that exudes from the naturally occurring cracks of the smallish 3 metre thorny plant, shrub, tree. The ducts within the bark of the plant, holds the gum resin, and when incised can generate more resin and increase the yield of the plant. Collection is made approximately 2 weeks thereafter, when the dried gum is about the size of a walnut. 

This process of Myrrh collection also correlates with the similar process of procuring Frankincense. The name is derived from the Hebrew "mor" and Arabic "mur" (both derived from 'bitter') from a long and rich history in trading of these reddish-brown hardened masses of oleo gum resin, were used as perfumes, medicines, and incense ingredients.  

Myrrh is one of the oldest known oils, referred to in biblical and religious texts. The Egyptians were known to use it for religious ceremonies, embalming and as a cosmetic ingredient due to its ability to preserve flesh.