Boswellia dalzielii Hutch.: An Overview
Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. is a well-known tree that belongs to the family Burseraceae. This tree is commonly found in the African region, particularly in Nigeria and Cameroon. It is a precious tree that provides a beneficial resin known as frankincense.
Common Names of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch.
There are several common names for Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. in different regions. In Nigeria, it is known as the "Nigerian frankincense tree". On the other hand, it is called the "Cameroonian frankincense tree" in Cameroon. The tree is also commonly referred to as "African olibanum" in the botanical world.
General Appearance of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch.
Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. is a treasured moderate-sized tree that features a bushy and crooked crown. It can grow to an average height of about 8 meters. The bark of the tree is quite smooth and greyish. The leaves are compound, and the size ranges from small to medium. These leaves are greenish-grey and greasy to the touch. The flowers of the tree are a pale yellow color and feature five petals.
Uses of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch.
The Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. tree is highly treasured for the beneficial resin it produces. The resin of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. is commonly known as frankincense. Frankincense has been used for decades in the production of perfumes, essential oils, and traditional medicine. The resin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat various ailments such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma. Furthermore, the tree provides a source of food for various animals, including elephants in the African savannah.
Growth Conditions for Boswellia dalzielii Hutch.
Boswellia dalzielii Hutch., commonly known as African frankincense, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the family Burseraceae. This tree can grow up to a height of 8 meters with a rounded crown. It is native to the savannah woodland areas of West Africa.
Light Requirements
Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. prefers full sun exposure for its optimum growth. The tree can tolerate partial shade, but it will result in slower growth and smaller leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. grows well in a warm climate with an average temperature range of 21 to 32°C. The tree can tolerate high temperatures, but it may need extra watering to support its growth during the dry season.
Soil Requirements
Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy soils and loamy soils. The soil pH range should be between 6.0 and 8.5.
The tree can tolerate drought and is well adapted to the dry woodland savannah areas of West Africa. However, it will need regular watering during the early stages of growth.
Cultivation methods
Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. can be grown in both open fields and containers, depending on the climatic conditions. However, it prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, but it grows best when the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat before planting. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants, dipped in rooting hormone, and then planted in a rooting medium.
Watering needs
Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. requires moderate watering during the growing season. It can tolerate drought conditions, but excessive watering can lead to root rot. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering to prevent waterlogging. Irrigation should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
The plant does not have high fertilizer requirements, but it will benefit from regular applications of organic fertilizers such as farmyard manure, compost, or vermicompost. Fertilizers should be applied during the growing season, and their frequency and quantity should be adjusted based on the soil's fertility and plant growth rate.
Pruning
The plant's pruning requirements depend on the desired shape and size. The plant can be left to grow naturally or trained into a specific shape. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and a higher yield of essential oils. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, and any diseased or damaged shoots should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease.
Propagation of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch.
The propagation of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. is mainly by seeds and cuttings. These methods have been proven to be effective in establishing new plants of this species.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. should be collected from mature fruits that have naturally fallen from the tree. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer coat.
After soaking, the seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in a shaded area. Germination may take between 3 to 6 weeks. The seedlings should be kept in the shade for the first year to protect them from harsh sunlight. After the first year, the seedlings can be transplanted to larger containers or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cutting propagation is another effective method of propagating Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. The best time to take cuttings is during the rainy season when the tree is actively growing. Semi-hardwood cuttings of about 15 cm in length should be taken from healthy branches.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in sand or a well-draining potting mix. They should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly. After about 8-10 weeks, the cuttings should have developed roots and can be transplanted to larger containers or directly into the ground.
It is important to note that the success rate of cutting propagation is lower than that of seed propagation, but it is still a viable method for establishing new plants of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch.
Disease and Pest Management for Boswellia dalzielii Hutch.
Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. is a resin-producing tree native to West and Central Africa. The plant is highly valued for its aromatic resin known as frankincense, which is used in the production of perfumes, incense, and medicine. However, the plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can affect its growth and yield. Effective disease and pest management strategies are necessary to improve the health and productivity of the plant.
Common Diseases
Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases, which can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, wilting, and death of the plant. Some of the common diseases that affect Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. include:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves. The spots are usually brown or black and may have a yellow halo. The disease can cause defoliation and reduce the plant's ability to produce resin. To manage leaf spot, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides should be applied.
- Canker: This is a fungal or bacterial disease that causes sunken lesions on the stems and branches. The lesions may ooze sap and cause dieback of the plant. To manage canker, affected branches should be pruned and destroyed, and fungicides or bactericides should be applied.
- Wilt: This is a fungal disease that causes wilting of the leaves and stems. The disease is usually caused by soil-borne fungi and can be fatal to the plant. To manage wilt, affected plants should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides should be applied to the soil.
Common Pests
Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. is also susceptible to insect pests, which can cause defoliation, stunted growth, and yield loss. Some of the common pests that affect Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. include:
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can cause severe defoliation of the plant. To manage caterpillars, affected leaves should be removed, and insecticides should be applied.
- Trips: These are small insects that feed on the plant's leaves and buds. They can cause stunted growth and deformation of the plant. To manage trips, insecticides should be applied.
- Mites: These are microscopic pests that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage mites, insecticides or miticides should be applied.
Integrated disease and pest management strategies that combine cultural, biological, and chemical control methods can effectively manage diseases and pests in Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. Regular monitoring, proper sanitation, and timely application of control measures are essential to maintain the health and productivity of the plant.
