The Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler: Overview
The Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler, also known as the African elemi, is a plant species belonging to the Burseraceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and is commonly found in countries like Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Appearance
The Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler is a medium-sized to tall tree, with an average height ranging from 10 to 50 meters. The plant has a straight and cylindrical trunk, with a bark that is grey-brown and smooth when young, becoming rough and scaling with age. The tree branches are slender and grow in a whorled or alternate manner. The leaves are shiny and leathery, arranged in clusters, and are elliptical with a pointed tip, generally measuring about 11 cm in length.
Common Names
The Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler is called by many names depending on the region, such as African elemi, African canarium, and black African frankincense. The plant is called "muoho" in the Akan language of Ghana and is widely known for its medicinal and commercial attributes in the region.
Uses
Every part of the Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler tree is beneficial and is used in a variety of ways. The tree exudates gum, which is used in the manufacturing of adhesives, varnishes, and cosmetics. In West Africa, the tree's bark and leaves are used to treat hemorrhoids, against malaria, and as a general analgesic. The tree's nut is edible and is used for making oil, which is used for cooking, lamp fuel, and soap-making, among others.
The Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler is also used as a shade tree and for its aesthetic value in landscaping. The wood is used to make tools, mortars, and handles for farm implements. Additionally, the tree's essential oil is extracted from the stem bark and is used in aromatherapy for its calming and therapeutic effects. In summary, the Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler is a versatile plant with many valuable features that have made it an essential natural resource for people across Africa and beyond.
Growth conditions for Canarium schweinfurthii Engler
Light: Canarium schweinfurthii Engler prefers a lot of light for optimal growth. It can thrive in full sun or partial shade.
Temperature: This plant species can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from a minimum of 20°C to a maximum of 35°C. However, it grows best in warm and humid environments.
Soil: Canarium schweinfurthii Engler does well in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate some degree of salinity.
Water: This plant has moderate water needs and can tolerate periodic droughts. However, it does require regular watering during prolonged dry spells.
Fertilizer: Canarium schweinfurthii Engler responds well to regular application of balanced fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The application should be done every four to six months.
Cultivation Methods for Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler
Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler is a tropical evergreen tree that is cultivated for commercial purposes because of its economic benefits. It is mainly grown in tropical regions where temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C. The following are cultivation practices for Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler:
- Planting should be done during the rainy season to ensure high survival rates and the best growth outcomes.
- The soil should be well-drained, fertile and in a location with partial shade.
- The spacing between the trees should be about 10-15 meters to allow for enough sun and air circulation.
- Seedlings take between 4 to 5 years after planting to start flowering and fruiting.
Watering Needs for Canarium schweinfurthii Engler
Water is essential for the growth of Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler. Young seedlings should be watered regularly until they establish themselves. The following are watering practices for Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler:
- Adequate water should be provided to ensure soil moisture but it should not be waterlogged.
- During the dry season, additional watering should be done to ensure that the plants don't dry up.
Fertilization for Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler
Fertilization enhances the productivity of Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler. The following are tips for fertilization:
- Fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied during the rainy season to enable maximum uptake by the plant.
- Apply compost to improve soil fertility and maintain moisture content.
Pruning Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler
Pruning is essential in maintaining the growth and productivity of Canarium Schweinfurthii Engler. The following are guidelines for pruning:
- Pruning is done in the dry season when the tree is not actively growing;
- The aim of pruning is to reduce the canopy size, remove diseased branches as well as promote lateral development of the tree;
- Pruning cuts should be sharp and clean to minimize damage to the tree.
Propagation of Canarium schweinfurthii Engler
Canarium schweinfurthii Engler is primarily propagated through seeds. However, there are other methods that can be employed to produce new plants.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Canarium schweinfurthii Engler can be obtained from mature fruits that have fallen off naturally from the tree. These seeds should be cleaned off the pulp and dried in a shaded and well-ventilated area for a few days before planting.
The seeds should be planted about 2 cm deep in pots or containers filled with well-draining medium. The pots should be placed in a shaded area and kept moist until the seeds germinate. Germination can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months, depending on environmental factors.
Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers filled with a nutrient-rich potting mix. The young plants should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until they are established.
Cuttings
Canarium schweinfurthii Engler can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature branches that are at least 1 cm in diameter and 20 cm in length. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining medium and kept in a shaded area with high humidity. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be misted regularly. Rooting can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months, depending on environmental factors.
Once the cuttings have rooted and developed new leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers filled with a nutrient-rich potting mix. The young plants should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until they are established.
Disease Management
Canarium schweinfurthii Engler is a hardy plant species that is fairly resistant to diseases. However, just like any other plant species, it can be affected by some diseases. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Canker disease
Canker is a fungal disease that attacks the stems and branches of the plant, causing them to die back. To manage the disease, you should remove the infected parts of the plant and destroy them. You can also apply a fungicide that contains copper or sulfur on the affected parts to prevent the disease from spreading to healthy parts of the plant.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing a white fungal growth to appear on them. To manage the disease, you should remove the infected parts of the plant and destroy them. You can also apply a fungicide that contains neem oil or sulfur on the affected parts to prevent the disease from spreading to healthy parts of the plant.
Pest Management
Canarium schweinfurthii Engler is also susceptible to pest attacks. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are common pests that attack the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck sap from the plant, which can lead to stunted growth and weakening of the plant. To manage mealybugs, you can use a strong spray of water to wash them off the plant, or you can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them.
Scale insects
Scale insects are another common pest that attack the leaves and stems of the plant. They appear as small brown or black bumps on the plant, and they can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage scale insects, you can use a soft-bristled brush to rub them off the plant, or you can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them.
