General Overview
Commiphora guidottii Chiov. is a flowering plant belonging to the Burseraceae family. It is native to East Africa, specifically found in dry thornbush and wooded grassland regions within Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Guidotti's myrrh or Eastern African myrrh. In Kenya, it is known as 'Mdalasini Mweupe' in Swahili, and in Ethiopia, it is called 'Derbo-Wedera' in Oromo.
Uses
The resin extracted from Commiphora guidottii Chiov. has significant economic value. The resin has a pleasant sweet perfume and is commonly used in perfumes, cosmetics, and traditional medicine for its healing properties. The plant's resin has also been used for centuries as incense in various religious ceremonies. It is also used to flavor traditional liquors such as Aragi in Ethiopia.
General Appearance
The Commiphora guidottii Chiov. is a small, thorny, deciduous tree that grows up to 6 meters tall. Its bark is pale, smooth, and peeling. The leaves are simple, alternate, pinnate with 3-7 leaflets, and have glandular dots. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and densely clustered. The fruit is a small, round, and fleshy drupe that turns red when ripe. The resin is collected by making incisions on the bark and allowing the sap to ooze out to harden into small yellowish-brown gum/resin globules.
Growth conditions of Commiphora guidottii Chiov.
Commiphora guidottii Chiov. is a small tree that is native to East Africa. It is part of the Burseraceae family and is also known by the common names "Kenyan myrrh" and "resin tree". The plant has specific requirements for its growth and survival which include the following:
Light requirements
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day which is essential for photosynthesis to take place. In areas with a hot climate, some shade and protection from direct sunlight may be necessary to prevent the plant from drying out.
Temperature requirements
Commiphora guidottii Chiov. is a heat-loving plant, and it thrives in warm temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). The plant cannot tolerate frost, and temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can cause damage to the plant.
Soil requirements
The plant grows best in well-draining sandy loam, clay, or rocky soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and should have good water retention ability to promote growth. Commiphora guidottii Chiov. prefers soils with good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. In areas with poor soil quality, adding compost or other organic matter can help improve the soil structure and nutrient availability.
Cultivation Methods
Commiphora guidottii Chiov. is a drought-tolerant plant that is native to Africa. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline to neutral. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. The best time to plant the seedlings or cuttings is during the rainy season.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, Commiphora guidottii Chiov. prefers moderate watering. During the rainy season, the plant can go without watering, as it gets sufficient moisture from the rainfall. However, during the dry season, the plant needs regular watering. It is important to avoid overwatering the plant, as it can lead to the development of root rot.
Fertilization
Commiphora guidottii Chiov. requires minimal fertilization. A light application of slow-release fertilizer during the rainy season is sufficient to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients. Over-fertilization can cause the plant to grow too quickly, resulting in weak stems and poor fruit quality.
Pruning
Pruning Commiphora guidottii Chiov. is not necessary, but it can help to promote bushy growth and increase fruit production. It is best to prune the plant during the dry season when it is dormant. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and cut back any long or leggy stems. Pruning should not exceed more than one-third of the plant's total height.
Propagation of Commiphora guidottii Chiov.
Commiphora guidottii Chiov. can be propagated by various methods. The most commonly used propagation method is by seed. Other methods such as cuttings, layering, and grafting are also possible but not widely used.
Propagation by seed
Seeds of Commiphora guidottii Chiov. are small and have a very hard seed coat. Before sowing the seeds, the seed coat needs to be scarified or removed to help with germination. Scarification can be done by soaking the seeds in hot water or by mechanical methods such as scratching the seed coat with sandpaper, or nicking it with a knife. After scarification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix at a depth of 1-2 cm. The optimum temperature for germination is around 20-25°C.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is possible with younger, more succulent stems. However, rooting success rates are low compared to propagation by seed. Cuttings should be taken during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. Treat the cuttings with a rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and cover the cuttings with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity until roots have formed.
Propagation by layering
Commiphora guidottii Chiov. can be propagated by layering, although this method is not widely used. Layering involves bending a low hanging branch to the ground and covering a portion of it with soil. Roots will form at the point of contact with the soil. Once roots have developed, the branch can be cut and transplanted.
Propagation by grafting
Grafting is a possible propagation method if Commiphora guidottii Chiov. does not grow well on its own rootstock. Grafting onto a more vigorous rootstock can enhance the growth and development of the plant. The most commonly used rootstock for Commiphora species is Commiphora africana.
Disease Management
Commiphora guidottii Chiov. is generally hardy and resistant to common plant diseases, but it can still be susceptible to various fungal and bacterial infections. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular-shaped lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits. To manage anthracnose, remove the infected plant parts and destroy them. You can also apply fungicides to protect the plant from further infection.
- Canker: Canker is a fungal disease that causes sunken lesions on the stems, branches, and trunk of the plant. To manage canker, remove the infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to prevent further infection.
Pest Management
Commiphora guidottii Chiov. is also prone to pest infestations, which can damage the plant and reduce its growth and vigor. Here are some of the common pests that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them:
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plants' sap, causing yellowing and drying of the leaves. To manage spider mites, regularly hose down the plant with water to dislodge the pests. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, brown or black pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing stunting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage scale insects, prune and destroy heavily infested plant parts and apply horticultural oil to suffocate the remaining pests.
