Origin and Common Names
Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. is a small tree or shrub native to eastern and southern Africa. It is commonly known as the African myrrh, Somali myrrh, or Cheetah urine plant. It belongs to the Burseraceae family, which includes other aromatic resin-producing trees and shrubs.General Appearance
The African myrrh plant can grow up to 4 meters tall and has a dark grey bark that peels in thin flakes. The leaves are simple, alternate, and vary in shape from obovate to elliptic or lanceolate and can be up to 10 cm long. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow, fragrant flowers in axillary clusters. The fruit is a spherical drupe that turns from green to red when mature.Uses
The resin produced by the African myrrh plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and religious practices. It is an ingredient in perfumes, incense, and cosmetics and is used to treat various ailments such as dysentery, fever, and malaria. The resin is also burned as an insect repellent and to deter snakes. In addition, the leaves and twigs of the plant are used as fodder for livestock. In conclusion, Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct., also known as African myrrh or Somali myrrh, is a versatile plant that has a long history of cultural and medicinal use in Africa. Its resin is highly valued for its aroma and therapeutic properties and is used in many different ways. The plant's attractive appearance and usefulness make it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.Light Requirements
The Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. plant requires full sunlight, which is essential for its growth and survival. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may affect the plant's growth rate and development.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in hot and dry conditions. The optimal temperature range for Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. is between 20°C and 30°C. It can tolerate high temperatures exceeding 40°C but may require extra care to prevent dehydration. During winter, it is essential to protect the plant from frost, which can damage or kill it.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. are well-drained soils with low to medium fertility. It prefers sandy or loamy soils with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5 and can tolerate slightly alkaline soils. Poorly drained soils with high organic matter content, such as peat, should be avoided as they may cause root rot and other diseases. This plant is adapted to the arid regions of Africa and the Middle East, and it can survive in harsh conditions with limited water and nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. is a deciduous tree that grows well in full sun, hot temperatures, and well-draining soil. The tree can tolerate drought and arid conditions. It thrives in areas that receive rainfall between 250 to 500 mm per year. For successful cultivation, plant the tree in sandy or loamy soil types at a depth of no more than 2 cm. The ideal pH level for growth is between 6.1 and 7.5.
Watering Needs
Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. requires minimum watering once established. You can water it occasionally, especially during extended periods of drought, to promote height growth and new foliage. Mature plants require at least 15 gallons of water weekly. The best time to water the tree is early in the day, allowing the excess moisture to evaporate as the day progresses.
Fertilization
Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a slow-release, low nitrogen fertilizer with regular irrigation to avoid burning the roots. Fertilize the tree once in spring and again in mid-summer. Alternatively, you can add organic compost to the soil to improve nutrient levels and ensure a better yield.
Pruning
The ideal time to prune Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. is during winter dormancy. Pruning during this time allows the tree to concentrate its energy on new growth in the coming spring. Remove any weak or dying branches, along with those affected by insect infestations or diseases. A well-pruned tree will have improved airflow, better sun exposure, and fewer dead branches, promoting healthy growth.
Propagation of Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct.
The propagation of Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. can be done through various methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. is through seed propagation. The seeds need to be collected from mature fruits and cleaned properly. Sowing the seeds should be done in seedbeds or in pots with well-draining soil. The seeds will start germinating in two to three weeks, and after a few months, they can be transplanted into individual pots for further growth.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method for Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. is through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature and healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm in length and taken from the top part of the plant. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist until new shoots start growing. This method of propagation has a lower success rate compared to seed propagation.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method for Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. This method involves stripping a ring of bark from the selected branch and applying rooting hormone on the exposed part. The exposed part is then covered with a moist medium, such as sphagnum moss, and wrapped with a plastic bag to maintain moisture. Roots will start forming within two to three months, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Disease Management for Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct.
Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. is a hardy plant that is mostly resistant to diseases. However, it can be affected by some diseases like root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot diseases.
To manage leaf spot diseases, it is advisable to remove and destroy any infected plant parts and maintain good air circulation around the plants. You can also use fungicides that contain copper to control the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew can be managed by pruning the infected areas on the plant, practicing good sanitation practices like cleaning up plant debris, and using fungicides that contain sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
Root rot can be prevented by maintaining proper drainage in the soil, avoiding over-watering, and ensuring good soil aeration. In severe cases, affected plants may need to be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct.
Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. heterophylla auct. is also vulnerable to some pests, with the most common ones being scale insects and mealybugs.
To manage these pests, you can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to smother them. It is also advisable to isolate and remove any infected plants to prevent the spread of the pests. Additionally, using sticky traps or barrier tapes can help in trapping the crawling insects, thus preventing them from reaching the plants.
Regularly inspecting the plants for signs of pest infestation can also help in managing the pests effectively. In severe cases, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a pest control expert to handle the situation.
