Origin and Common Names
Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris, also known as the Namibian myrrh or thorny myrrh, belongs to the family Burseraceae and is native to Namibia and South Africa. It is commonly found in the savannah and woodlands of these regions.
General Appearance
The Namibian myrrh is a small, thorny shrub that can reach up to one meter in height. Its stems and branches are covered in spines, making it quite difficult to handle without care. The leaves are small and alternate, with a leathery texture and elliptic or oblong shape. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with greenish-white petals, and typically bloom in the early summer months. The fruit is a small, round capsule that contains a single seed and is surrounded by a red or orange fleshy pulp.
Uses
The resin of the Namibian myrrh has been traditionally used in African medicine for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It has also been used to treat wounds and inflammation. The resin, which has a bitter taste and pungent odor, has been used in perfumes, incense, and as a flavoring agent in food and beverages. The bark of the plant has also been used to make rope and basketry.
Light Requirements
Commiphora Campestris Engl. var. Campestris require full sunlight exposure for normal growth. Plants growing under the shade tend to produce thin and weak stems compared to those exposed to full sun. In natural habitats, the plant grows under full sunlight where vegetation growth is minimal.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperature conditions but grows optimally in warm temperatures of between 20°C and 38°C. The plant can also withstand cold temperatures up to -5°C, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold can cause wilting and even death.
Soil Requirements
Commiphora Campestris Engl. var. Campestris grows well in well-drained soils with a high percentage of sand and minimal organic matter. The plant requires soils with a pH range of 6.5– 7.5, and it's sensitive to soils with high salinity levels. In natural habitats, the plant thrives in rocky soils where soil moisture is scarce.
Cultivation
Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris, also known as Velvet Corkwood, is a drought-tolerant plant that is easy to cultivate. It can adapt to different soil types but prefers sandy soils with good drainage. The plant thrives in areas with full sunlight exposure, and it is recommended to plant it before the rainy season begins.
Watering Needs
The Velvet Corkwood plant is capable of surviving long periods without water, making it perfect for arid areas. However, regular watering is necessary for establishing and promoting growth. After planting, it is crucial to water the plant frequently for the first few weeks until it becomes established. Once the roots have developed, it is advisable to reduce the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris requires minimal fertilization. It only needs small amounts of general-purpose fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilization should be done after the first year of planting and annually thereafter to maintain the plant's growth and health. Applying a balanced fertilizer at a rate of 1 pound per plant is recommended, but excessive fertilization may lead to poor root development.
Pruning
Pruning Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris is optional, but it can help to promote denser growth and keep the plant's size manageable. It is advisable to prune the plant during the dormant season to minimize any damage to the plant. Pruning should aim to remove dead or diseased branches, remove any overcrowding branches, and shape the plant to the desired form. Avoid over-pruning, as this may affect the plant's natural form and make it vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Propagation of Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris
Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris is a desert plant that belongs to the Burseraceae family. It can thrive in harsh conditions with low rainfall and high temperatures. If you want to propagate Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris, you should consider the following methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest method of propagating Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris is through seeds. You can collect the seeds when the plant fruits. Make sure the seeds are ripe before collecting them. You can then clean the seeds and soak them for 24 hours in water to soften their hard seed coat. Scarify the seeds by rubbing them gently with sandpaper. This will facilitate water absorption and germination. Plant the seeds in well-drained soil at a depth of 2 cm. Water the seeds frequently but sparingly, and keep the soil moist until they germinate.
Cutting Propagation
You can also propagate Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris with cuttings. Take stem cuttings of 15 cm length from a healthy parent plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and plant it in well-drained soil. Make sure the cutting is planted deep enough to support itself. Water the cutting frequently but sparingly, and keep it in a shaded area until new leaves emerge.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another propagation method for Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris. This method is used to produce plants with desirable traits, such as drought tolerance and disease resistance. Grafting also reduces the time it takes for the plant to grow and produce fruits. You can graft Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris onto rootstocks of closely related species, such as Commiphora africana and Commiphora holtziana.
Disease and Pest Management for Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris
Commiphora campestris Engl. var. campestris, commonly known as the Bushman's Candle, is a drought-tolerant, slow-growing succulent tree that originates from southern Africa. Although the plant is generally hardy, it can fall prey to several diseases and pests that can decrease its vigor and cause significant damage. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them:
Diseases
Bushmen's Candle is susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases, especially in conditions of high humidity, excessive moisture, and poor air circulation. Some common diseases that might affect the plant include:
Root rot
Root rot is a fungal disease caused by pathogens such as Phytophthora and Fusarium that attack the roots and cause them to decay. The plant might exhibit symptoms such as wilting, yellowing, and dropping of leaves, stunted growth, and stem cankers. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering. You can also apply fungicides such as azoxystrobin, metalaxyl, and thiophanate-methyl.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease caused by pathogens such as Cercospora and Septoria that attack the leaves and cause small, circular spots that become brown or yellow with a dark margin. The spots can coalesce and lead to defoliation, reduced growth, and lower yield. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. You can also apply fungicides such as chlorothalonil, copper hydroxide, and mancozeb.
Pests
Bushmen's Candle is also vulnerable to several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some common pests that might affect the plant include:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that can infest the leaves, stems, and roots of Bushmen's Candle and secrete honeydew that attracts sooty mold. The plant might exhibit symptoms such as wilting, yellowing, and distorted growth. To manage mealybugs, remove the infected parts, wash the plant with soapy water, and apply insecticides such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, and systemic insecticides like imidacloprid.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can infest the leaves and suck sap, causing yellowing, bronzing, and webbing of the foliage. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can quickly spread from plant to plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to dislodge them, improve humidity, and apply acaricides such as pyrethrins, abamectin, and insecticidal soap.
By following the above disease and pest management practices, you will be able to keep your Bushmen's Candle healthy and vigorous for years to come.
