Introduction
Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. tubuk (Sprague) J.B.Gillett is a plant belonging to the Burseraceae family. It is commonly known as Somali myrrh or gum arabic tree and is native to East Africa. The plant is known for producing resin, which has been used in various traditional medicines for its therapeutic properties.
Appearance
The Somali myrrh tree is a small, deciduous tree that typically grows up to 6 meters tall. It has a short trunk and many branches that are covered in rough, grey-brown bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip and a glossy surface. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit is a small, red spherical drupe that is enclosed in a fleshy, orange-red aril.
Uses
The resin extracted from the Somali myrrh tree has been used for thousands of years in various traditional medicines for its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties. It was also used as incense in ancient religious ceremonies. The resin is still used today in modern medicine to treat a range of ailments such as arthritis, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. The fruit of the tree is edible and is used to make a tart jam. The gum extracted from the tree is also used as a binding agent in food and cosmetics.
Cultivation
The Somali myrrh tree grows in arid and semi-arid regions and prefers well-draining soils. It is a slow-growing tree and can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Once established, the tree requires very little maintenance and can adapt to harsh environmental conditions. The resin production is highest during the dry season, and it can be harvested by making incisions in the bark of the tree.
Light Requirements
The plant Commiphora africana var. tubuk typically requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It adapts well to sunny and hot conditions, making it an ideal plant for arid and semi-arid regions. The plant is adapted to high solar radiation, meaning that it can tolerate high irradiance and high temperatures.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Commiphora africana var. tubuk grows well within a temperature range of 20°C to 35°C. It is a heat-tolerant plant and is adapted to hot and dry conditions common in arid and semi-arid regions. While the plant can tolerate high temperatures, it cannot withstand frost, so it is best grown in warm climates.
Soil Requirements
The plant Commiphora africana var. tubuk thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers sandy loam, sandy clay, and clay soils. The soil's pH level should be neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging from 7 to 8. Also, the plant requires moderate to low soil fertility. Over-fertilization can lead to overgrowth, which can stunt growth and reduce its resistance to pests and diseases.
Cultivation of Commiphora Africana (A.Rich.) Engl. Var. Tubuk (Sprague) J.B.Gillett
Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. tubuk (Sprague) J.B.Gillett is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types. The plant can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils. However, the plant grows better in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.5.
When planting Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. tubuk (Sprague) J.B.Gillett, ensure that the hole is 2 to 3 times larger than the root ball. The plant should be planted slightly higher than the soil surface because it is susceptible to root rot.
Watering Needs
Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. tubuk (Sprague) J.B.Gillett is drought-tolerant. However, regular watering is essential during the first two years of establishment. After the plant is well established, it can survive on natural rainfall.
During planting, water the plant thoroughly and then water once or twice a week for the first three months. The frequency of watering can be reduced to once a month after the plant is established.
Fertilization
Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. tubuk (Sprague) J.B.Gillett is a low maintenance plant that does not require much fertilizer. However, young plants can benefit from regular application of balanced fertilizer.
The ideal ratio of fertilizer is 10-10-10. Fertilizer application should be minimal because too much fertilizer can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced oil production.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. tubuk (Sprague) J.B.Gillett cultivation. The plant can be pruned during the dormant season to keep it at the desired height and shape.
The plant produces resin in response to pruning, which can be collected for commercial purposes. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid tearing and damaging the plant. Ensure that the cuts are made 1 inch above the node to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. tubuk (Sprague) J.B.Gillett
Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. tubuk (Sprague) J.B.Gillett can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Both methods have specific requirements and advantages to consider when growing this plant.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. tubuk (Sprague) J.B.Gillett are a reliable way to propagate the plant, but they require patience and specific conditions to germinate and grow successfully.
The seeds of the plant should be collected when they are mature. They can be stored in a cool and dry place for several months but should be soaked in water for a few hours before planting. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mix that is moist but not waterlogged.
Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. tubuk (Sprague) J.B.Gillett seeds require warm temperatures and bright light to germinate, so they should be kept in a warm and bright location. Germination can take up to two months, but the plant will start to grow slowly after that.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a quicker way to propagate Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. tubuk (Sprague) J.B.Gillett. The cuttings can be taken from mature plants or from seedlings that have developed several leaves.
The cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing and should be about 6 inches long with several leaves. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before being planted in a well-draining soil mix.
The cuttings should be kept in a warm and bright location and misted regularly to keep the soil moist. Roots should develop in a few weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.
Disease Management for Commiphora Africana Var. Tubuk
Commiphora africana var. tubuk (C. africana var. tubuk) is a drought-tolerant, deciduous tree distributed in the Horn of Africa and Saudi Arabia. It produces aromatic resins that have economic and cultural values. The tree can be attacked by several diseases that can impact its growth and resin production. Below are some common C. africana var. tubuk diseases and ways to manage them.
Leaf Spot Diseases
Cercospora leaf spot and Phaeotrichum leaf spot are fungal diseases that can cause yellow spots on the leaves of C. africana var. tubuk trees. The disease can reduce photosynthesis and leave the tree susceptible to pests and other diseases. To manage leaf spot diseases, it is advised to discard infected leaves, prune the tree to improve air circulation and avoid watering the foliage. Fungicidal sprays containing copper-based compounds can also be used to manage the diseases.
Dry Root Rot
Dry root rot is a fungal disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and eventually death of the tree. The disease thrives in wet and poorly-drained soils, and once the tree is infected, it is difficult to manage it. To prevent dry root rot, it is important to plant C. africana var. tubuk in well-drained soils and avoid over-watering the plant. Fungicidal drenches containing Propiconazole can also be applied to the soil to prevent the disease.
Pest Management for Commiphora Africana Var. Tubuk
C. africana var. tubuk can also be attacked by several pests that can impact its growth and resin production. Below are some common pests that can attack the tree and ways to manage them.
Borers
Borers are destructive pests that can attack the trunk and branches of C. africana var. tubuk. They leave burrows and tunnels that can weaken the tree and reduce resin production. To manage borers, it is important to prune infested branches and trunks, apply insecticides that contain Imidacloprid, and use pheromone traps to reduce the population of the pest.
Twig Girdler
The twig girdler is a pest that causes wilting and drying of the twigs and branches of C. africana var. tubuk. The pest chews a groove around the twig or branch and lays eggs, leading to wilting and death of the plant part. To manage the twig girdler, it is important to prune and burn infested twigs and branches, apply insecticides that contain permethrin, and use pheromone traps to reduce the population of the pest.
