Overview
Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. magadiensis J.B.Gillett is a small tree or shrub belonging to the family Burseraceae. It is also known by its common names Magadi Commiphora or Magadi Myrrh. This plant is native to East Africa, particularly in the Magadi and Baringo districts of Kenya.
Appearance
The Magadi Commiphora is a deciduous plant that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The stems and branches are greyish-brown in color with a papery bark and possess sharp spines. The leaves are small and simple, and the flowers are inconspicuous. The plant’s fruit is small and round, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, with a greenish-yellow color when unripe and reddish-brown when mature.
Uses
The Magadi Commiphora has been traditionally used in Africa for medicinal, cosmetic and cultural purposes. The plant has a strong, pleasant odor and a bitter taste, and its gum is used to treat sore throat, fever, and dysentery, as well as for wound healing. The gum also has cosmetic applications, used as a perfume and as an ingredient in cosmetic preparations. In addition, the wood of this plant is used for carving and as fuelwood.
Growth Conditions for Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. magadiensis J.B.Gillett
Light: The plant requires full sunlight for proper growth and development. At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day is necessary, making it an ideal candidate for cultivation in regions with abundant sunshine.
Temperature: Commiphora campestris requires warm to hot temperatures for optimum growth. The ideal temperature range for the plant is 20-35°C, with a minimum temperature of 10°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures up to 40°C but may suffer if exposed to prolonged high temperatures.
Soil: The plant is well adapted to grow in dry and sandy soils with good drainage. It prefers alkaline soils with pH values ranging from 7.0-8.5. High salinity levels in the soil are also tolerated. Soil fertility is not a significant concern in the growth of this plant.
Water: The plant is well adapted to grow in dry regions and can survive drought conditions by reducing transpiration and closing its stomata. However, occasional watering is necessary, especially during the establishment phase. It is essential to avoid overwatering the plant, which may lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization: Commiphora campestris requires little to no fertilization, and only a light application of organic matter is necessary during the initial planting phase to improve soil structure.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds require pre-treatment before planting to improve germination, and cuttings can be rooted under controlled conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Commiphora campestris is best grown in well-draining loamy soils with a slightly alkaline pH range of 7.0 to 8.5. It can tolerate soil types ranging from sandy to rocky, but it prefers soils with moderate moisture retention capacity. The plants thrive in full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade. Propagation can be achieved through seed germination or vegetative propagation using stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Commiphora campestris vary according to the growth stage of the plant. During the establishment phase, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once the plants are established, they can tolerate long drought periods, but occasional deep watering during summer months helps promote healthy growth.
Fertilization
Commiphora campestris requires minimal fertilization as it can extract nutrients from the soil effectively. However, the application of organic matter can help improve soil structure and enhance nutrient availability. It is recommended to use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure every few years to support healthy growth.
Pruning
Pruning of Commiphora campestris is not necessary as the plant forms a well-structured, rounded canopy. However, removal of dead, damaged, and diseased branches is recommended to promote plant health. Pruning can be done during fall or winter months when the plant is dormant. It is important to use sterile pruning tools and treat any open wounds with fungicide to prevent the spread of infection.
Propagation of Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. magadiensis J.B.Gillett
Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. magadiensis J.B.Gillett can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and air-layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is commonly done for Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. magadiensis J.B.Gillett. The seeds are collected from mature cones that are dried and then crushed to release the seeds. The seeds are then soaked in water for a day before sowing in a well-draining soil mix, where they are kept moist and warm until germination occurs. Germination may take about one to two months.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings should be taken from healthy, young plants in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings are made from semi-hardwood stems measuring about 4-5 cm in length. The leaves on the lower half of the stem are removed, and the stem is placed in a rooting hormone before inserting it into a well-draining soil mix. The cutting is then kept in a humid, warm environment where it can develop roots. Rooting may take about 2-3 months.
Propagation by Air-layering
Air-layering is a propagation method used on the Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. magadiensis J.B.Gillett where a portion of a stem is made to form roots while still attached to the parent plant. A portion on the stem is selected, and a ring of bark is removed, leaving a section of exposed stem. The exposed section of the stem is then covered with moist soil or sphagnum moss and wrapped with plastic to keep it moist. Roots will develop from the exposed section of the stem, and once the roots are visible, the rooted section can be cut and potted.
Disease Management
Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. magadiensis J.B.Gillett is known to be relatively disease-resistant, but it can still potentially suffer from some common diseases, including:
- Crown rot: This fungal disease affects the roots and lower stem of the plant, causing them to decay and turn brown or black. Symptoms of crown rot include wilting, stem collapse, and sudden death of the plant. To manage crown rot, remove infected plants and improve drainage in the soil.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant. It can cause stunted growth and decrease the overall quality of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, apply a fungicide to the plant and improve air circulation around it.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease appears as dark, water-soaked lesions on the leaves of the plant. It can cause premature leaf drop and weaken the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide to the plant.
Pest Management
Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. magadiensis J.B.Gillett can also be susceptible to pest infestations. Common pests that may attack this plant include:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause discoloration and wilting of the leaves, as well as webbing on the undersides of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: These pests appear as small, raised bumps on the leaves and stem of the plant. They can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves and weaken the plant. To manage scale insects, remove the pests by hand and apply a horticultural oil to the plant.
- Caterpillars: These pests can eat the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or apply a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide to the plant.
