Origin
Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. glaucidula (Engl.) J.B.Gillett belongs to the family Burseraceae and is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, particularly in the countries of Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
The plant has various common names including Busera, Myrrh, Gum Busera, and Somali Myrrh.
Uses
The resin of Commiphora africana is commonly used in traditional African medicine for various ailments such as throat and chest infections, wound healing, and pain relief. It is also used as an antiviral and antimicrobial agent in some cultures. The resin can be chewed or burned as incense. The heartwood of the tree is used for making furniture, tool handles, and other household items.
General Appearance
Commiphora africana is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 10 meters tall. The bark is pale grey and smooth, with occasional cracks and fissures. The leaves are simple, alternate, and clustered at the ends of the branches, with three leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, and borne in clusters. The fruit is a small, round drupe that turns reddish-brown when ripe and contains a single seed.
Light Requirements
Commiphora africana var. glaucidula thrives best in full sun to partial shade. As a result, it requires exposure to unfiltered light for optimal growth and development. Partially shaded areas are preferred in extremely hot or dry regions because they help regulate temperature and moisture levels.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to tropical and sub-tropical regions. In order to achieve optimal growth, it needs warm temperatures throughout the year. It can withstand high temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius, but prefers an average temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius. The plant does not tolerate frost or temperatures that drop below 5 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Commiphora africana var. glaucidula is adaptable to a wide range of soils, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. The plant prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils with a pH of 6.5 to 8.5. It is highly tolerant of salinity and can thrive in semi-arid environments with minimal moisture. The plant requires a medium to low fertility soil with moderate amounts of organic matter for optimal growth.
Cultivation
Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. glaucidula (Engl.) J.B.Gillett is best grown in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for arid regions.
The plant is propagated through seeds, which should be sown in well-prepared soil and kept moist until germination. Once the seedlings have grown, they can be transplanted to their permanent site or pots.
Watering needs
When it comes to watering Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. glaucidula (Engl.) J.B.Gillett, it is essential to strike a balance between dry and wet conditions. Overwatering can cause root rot, while drought can cause stunted growth. Water the plant thoroughly when the soil surface dries out. In the growing season, reduce watering when the plant becomes dormant.
Fertilization
Fertilization is critical for the healthy growth of Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. glaucidula (Engl.) J.B.Gillett plants. Apply a balanced fertilizer at the start of the growing season and then again in mid-summer. Regular application of well-composted organic matter can also enhance soil fertility and improve plant growth.
Pruning
When it comes to pruning, Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. glaucidula (Engl.) J.B.Gillett does not require extensive pruning. However, it is essential to remove diseased, dead, or crossing branches to maintain the plant's health. Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is best to do so before the start of the growing season.
Propagation of Commiphora africana var. glaucidula
Commiphora africana var. glaucidula, commonly known as the African myrrh tree, can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The African myrrh tree produces small, dry fruits containing one or two seeds. The seeds can be collected and sown in a mixture of sand and peat moss or in a well-draining potting soil.
The seeds need to be kept warm (around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius) and moist for optimal germination. It can take several months for the seeds to germinate, and once they do, the seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots with well-draining soil.
Propagation by Cuttings
Commiphora africana var. glaucidula can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems, around 10-15 centimeters in length, with at least two nodes.
The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting it in well-draining potting soil. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a greenhouse to maintain high humidity. The cutting should root within 6-8 weeks.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagation and involves grafting a piece of the African myrrh tree onto a rootstock of a related species. This method is typically used for commercial cultivation and is done to propagate specific varieties or improve the overall health and vigor of the plant.
The grafting process involves matching the cambium layers of the scion (the Commiphora africana var. glaucidula piece) and the rootstock and securing them together with grafting tape or a grafting clip. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm, humid environment until it takes, usually around 3-4 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. glaucidula (Engl.) J.B.Gillett
Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. glaucidula (Engl.) J.B.Gillett, commonly known as African myrrh or Gum Arabic tree, is a hardy plant found in semi-arid and arid regions of Africa. Despite being hardy, this plant is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can impact its overall health and growth. Here we discuss some common diseases and pests that may affect Commiphora africana and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the plant's leaves, stems, and fruits. It causes small, circular spots on the leaves, which enlarge and turn brown. In severe cases, the leaves may drop prematurely. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide as per the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. It can cause the leaves to curl and twist and lead to stunted growth. Prune the affected parts and dispose of them. You can also apply a fungicide to manage powdery mildew.
Common Pests
1. Scale insects: Scale insects are common pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, you can scrape them off with a soft brush, apply insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves, leading to yellowing and premature leaf drop. They also cause webbing on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage spider mites, use a strong jet of water to dislodge them from the plant, spray insecticidal soap or oil as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Regular monitoring and maintaining healthy cultural practices, such as providing adequate moisture, sunlight, and nutrients to the Commiphora africana plant, will prevent diseases and pests from attacking the plant.
