Overview
Canarium liebertianum Engl. is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the Burseraceae family. The plant is also known as African elemi, Mbula tree, and False elemi. It is native to Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon, where it grows in the wild as a tall and narrow tree. African elemi gets its name from the resin extracted from its bark, which has long been used in traditional African medicine and in the production of incense and perfumes.
Appearance
Canarium liebertianum Engl. can grow up to 40 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 meters. The tree has a narrow and straight stem, with a thick bark that is grey-brown in color. The branches of the African elemi tree are slender and densely arranged, with a crown that is dome-shaped and compact. The leaves are pinnate and alternately arranged, with 5-9 leaflets that are lanceolate and glossy green in color. The flowers of the African elemi plant are small and white, with male and female flowers on separate trees. The fruit is a drupe that is oblong in shape and about 2.5 cm in length.
Uses
The resin extracted from the bark of Canarium liebertianum Engl. is used in traditional African medicine to treat a range of ailments, including respiratory infections, rheumatism, and skin diseases. The resin is also used in the production of incense and perfumes. Other parts of the African elemi tree, including the leaves and bark, are used in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The wood of the tree is also used in carpentry and for fuel.
Light Conditions
Canarium liebertianum Engl. prefers bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. It can grow well under partial shade, but it won't bear optimal fruit in this condition. At the same time, it cannot tolerate direct sunlight, as it can scorch its foliage and stunt its growth.
Temperature Range
The plant grows best in warm tropical or subtropical regions, where the temperature ranges between 25–30 °C (77–86 °F). It can't tolerate frost or cold environments as this can cause damage or death to it.
Soil Requirements
Canarium liebertianum Engl. grows in a wide variety of soil types, but it requires well-draining soil for optimal growth. The plant prefers a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It doesn't grow well in waterlogged or compacted soils because it can cause root rot or poor uptake of nutrients. The addition of organic matter and the provision of good drainage can improve soil fertility and texture for the healthy growth of the tree.
Cultivation Methods
Canarium liebertianum Engl. is best cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires well-drained soil and should be planted in a location that receives plenty of sunlight.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be collected when mature and cleaned before planting. Cuttings should be taken from young shoots and planted in well-prepared soil.
When planting, ensure that the seed or cutting is planted at the same level as it was in the nursery. Water the plant immediately and continue to water regularly until the plant is established.
Watering Needs
Canarium liebertianum Engl. requires consistent watering to ensure that the soil is moist. However, water should not be allowed to stand in the soil as this can lead to root rot. Watering once a week should be sufficient, depending on weather conditions.
During dry weather conditions, the plant should be watered more frequently. It is important to note that the plant does not tolerate drought well, and therefore consistent watering is crucial.
Fertilization
Canarium liebertianum Engl. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and bone meal can be used to provide the necessary nutrients.
The plant should be fertilized once every three months during the growing season. Fertilizer should be applied at the base of the plant, ensuring that it does not come into contact with the leaves or stem.
Pruning
Pruning helps to promote healthy growth and fruit production in Canarium liebertianum Engl. It also helps to control the size and shape of the plant.
Pruning should be done after fruiting to remove any dead or diseased wood. Any branches that are crossing and rubbing against each other should also be removed.
Young plants may require formative pruning to encourage branching and promote a strong framework. This should be done during the first two years of growth.
Propagation of Canarium liebertianum Engl.
Canarium liebertianum Engl. is a tropical tree that produces fruits with edible nuts. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way of propagating Canarium liebertianum Engl. is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected from healthy and mature fruits. The seeds should be kept in a cool and dry place for at least one month and then soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The seeds can be sown directly in a seedbed or in pots with good quality soil. Germination usually occurs within 4-6 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after one year.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Canarium liebertianum Engl. can also be done through cutting propagation. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the plant and rooting them in a rooting hormone and a well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be approximately 20cm long and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants during the rainy season. The cuttings should be placed in an area with high humidity and moist soil until they show signs of growth. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location after one year.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagation for Canarium liebertianum Engl. This method involves joining a scion, a plant with desirable characteristics, to a rootstock which has a well-established root system. It is important to select a rootstock that is compatible with the scion. Grafting should be done during the rainy season, and the grafted plants should be kept in an area with high humidity until they show signs of growth. The grafted plants can be transplanted to their permanent location after one year.
Disease and Pest Management for Canarium liebertianum Engl.
Canarium liebertianum Engl., also known as African elemi, is a tree commonly found in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. While this tree is known for its many uses, including its sap making aromatic resin, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Here we discuss some of the common diseases and pests that affect Canarium liebertianum and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Bacterial canker is a common disease that affects Canarium liebertianum. Symptoms include leaf spots, cankers, and twig blight. Good sanitation practices can help prevent the spread of bacterial canker. Pruning and destroying infected twigs and branches and avoiding overhead irrigation can also help reduce the incidence of this disease.
Anthracnose is another disease that affects African elemi. Symptoms include leaf spots, stem blight, and fruit rot. For effective management of anthracnose, collect and dispose of fallen leaves and fruit to eliminate sources of inoculum. In addition, effective fungicidal sprays can be used to control anthracnose.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that affect Canarium liebertianum is the shot hole borer. The beetle tunnels into the tree, causing damage to the vascular tissue. Infected trees display weeping sap, wilting leaves, and dying branches. To control shot hole borers, remove infected branches and promptly dispose of them. The use of insecticidal sprays can also help control shot hole borers.
Scale insects are another pest that can cause problems for Canarium liebertianum. These small insects attach themselves to the tree leaves and extract sap from them. The leaves then turn yellow and fall off prematurely. Regular monitoring of trees followed by timely application of insecticidal sprays can help control scale insects.
In conclusion, Canarium liebertianum is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper sanitation practices, pruning, and prompt removal and disposal of infected plant material can help prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Additionally, using effective fungicidal and insecticidal sprays, as appropriate, can help control these problems.
