Overview
Boswellia multifoliolata Engl. is a tree belonging to the Burseraceae family and is typically found in Eastern Africa. It is a unique plant with a variety of traditional and modern uses, including medicinal and cultural practices.
Common Names
Boswellia multifoliolata Engl. has several common names depending on its location. These include the East African Frankincense, Hojari Frankincense, and Maydi Frankincense.
Appearance
The Boswellia multifoliolata Engl. is a small tree or shrub, which grows to a height of about 3 to 4 meters. It has thin, papery bark and light green leaves that are composed of multiple leaflets. The tree bears small yellow-greenish flowers that eventually give way to small, round fruits that contain three to six seeds.
Uses
The resin of Boswellia multifoliolata Engl. has cultural, medicinal, and commercial uses. Historically, the resin was burned as incense during religious ceremonies and as an air freshener along with other frankincense species. Medicinally, the resin has been used for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anticancer effects. In modern times, the resin is used in the cosmetic and fragrance industry as a fixative in perfumes, soaps, and creams.
The seeds of Boswellia multifoliolata Engl. are equally important. They are edible and rich in oil, which can be used in cooking and in the production of cosmetics. In addition, the oil has potential medicinal uses, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Growth Conditions of Boswellia multifoliolata Engl.
Boswellia multifoliolata Engl. or the Northern Somalia Frankincense is a rare plant species found only in northern Somalia. It grows in harsh desert-like conditions, where it receives minimal rainfall annually. The Boswellia multifoliolata tree provides unique essential oil and resin, commonly known as Frankincense, which has been extensively used for medicinal and religious purposes for thousands of years.
Light Requirements
Boswellia multifoliolata requires full sun exposure to thrive. It is adapted to survive in the dry and sunny conditions of Somalia. Therefore, it requires an abundant supply of sunlight all year round.
Temperature Requirements
The Northern Somalia Frankincense can tolerate high temperatures during the day and low temperatures during the night. However, it cannot sustain freezing temperatures for an extended period. The Boswellia multifoliolata growth is optimal when the temperature is between 20 to 40 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Boswellia multifoliolata requires acidic, nutrient-poor, and well-draining soil to thrive. The plant is adapted to grow in rocky, sandy, or gravel soils with a pH range of 6.2 to 6.5. The tree needs soil with good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can promote root rot.
The plant species requires minimum nitrogen content in the soil. Excessive nitrogen present in the soil can interfere with the quality of the resin. Therefore, the plant prefers infertile and shallow soils for better resin quality.
In conclusion, the Northern Somalia Frankincense tree or Boswellia multifoliolata is a hardy plant species that can tolerate harsh conditions. The plant requires full sun exposure, optimal temperatures, and well-drained, nutrient-poor, and acidic soils.
Cultivation Methods
Boswellia multifoliolata Engl. is a drought-resistant plant that belongs to the Burseraceae family. Farmers can cultivate the plant in well-drained soil that receives direct sunlight for six hours per day. Practitioners can plant from seeds or cuttings and ensure the soil is rich in essential minerals like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The plant can grow up to 4 meters in height and requires minimum supervision.
Watering Needs
Although Boswellia multifoliolata is a drought-resistant plant, it requires water during the dry season. However, farmers need to water the plant sparingly, as too much water can lead to root rot. Experts advise farmers to water the plant only when the soil dries out. Overwatering the plant can also hinder its growth and cause significant damage to the roots.
Fertilization
It is advisable to fertilize Boswellia multifoliolata Engl. during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Farmers can use organic fertilizer or mix synthetic fertilizers with the soil. However, practitioners should be mindful of the fertilizer's composition and avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizers as they can lead to the development of weak branches and stems.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the plant's health as it promotes the growth of new shoots and leaves. Farmers should prune the plant during the dry season to prevent moisture loss and excessive sap flow. It is advisable to remove dead branches, leaves, and flowers to promote healthy growth. However, practitioners should avoid pruning too much at one time, as it can shock the plant and hinder its growth.
Propagation of Boswellia multifoliolata Engl.
Boswellia multifoliolata Engl. is a small tree that belongs to the Burseraceae family. It is commonly known as the Dusty Frankincense or the Hojari Frankincense. The plant is native to Somalia and thrives in semi-arid regions as well as in coastal woodlands. To propagate this plant, one can use several methods, which include:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most commonly used methods to propagate Boswellia multifoliolata Engl. The seeds are collected from a mature tree, cleaned, and planted directly into the soil. The best time to plant them is during the rainy season, which ensures they receive sufficient water for germination. Seedlings may take up to 4-5 years to mature.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation involves taking cuttings from a mature tree and planting them in soil under a controlled environment such as in a greenhouse. The cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood and treated with rooting hormones to promote root growth. They should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they develop roots.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering is a technique used to propagate Boswellia multifoliolata Engl without causing any damage to the mother plant. This method involves creating a small wound in the bark of the tree, applying rooting hormone, and covering the wound with soil to encourage root growth. Once roots form, the new plant can be separated from the mother plant and planted in a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Boswellia Multifoliolata Engl.
Boswellia multifoliolata Engl., commonly known as Oman frankincense tree, is a resinous tree native to the Arabian Peninsula and Eastern Africa. It is a valuable tree that produces frankincense, a resin used in incense, perfumes, and medicine. However, this tree is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can affect its growth, yield, and quality. Hence, it is crucial to implement appropriate disease and pest management strategies to safeguard the tree's health and productivity.
Common Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas syringae, which affects the leaves and causes small, water-soaked spots that later turn yellow and brown. It can also cause defoliation, stunted growth, and reduced yield. One can manage it by pruning affected foliage and using copper-based fungicides as directed.
Fusarium Wilt: This is a fungal disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum that affects the roots and vascular system of the tree leading to the wilting of leaves, twig dieback, and ultimately tree death. Ensure you obtain certified disease-free seedlings. Always rotate your crops with other unrelated plant species for five to ten years, reduce soil moisture stress, and avoid wounding roots during cultivation.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids feed on the sap of the leaves, causing yellowing, bronzing, and loss of foliage. Control spider mites by increasing humidity around the tree, spraying with insecticidal soap, and introducing predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis.
Frankincense Bark Beetle: This insect bores into the bark of the tree to incubate its young. It causes yellowing, wilting, and dropping off of leaves in the affected area. You can control it using insecticides such as dimethoate or phosalone.
Always ensure you practice good cultural practices, such as regular pruning, planting trees in well-drained soils, and improving soil fertility and irrigation where necessary. Early detection and timely intervention are critical in managing diseases and pests affecting Boswellia multifoliolata Engl.
