Origin
Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. subsp. habessinica is a flowering plant belonging to the Burseraceae family. It is native to Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia, and can also be found in other regions of eastern Africa.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known by several names, including Abyssinian myrrh, Habeshan myrrh, and African myrrh. In Ethiopia, it is known as "hagar" or "haggar."
Uses
The resin of Commiphora habessinica has been used for various medicinal and cultural purposes for centuries. In traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean medicine, it is used to treat various ailments such as coughs, sore throats, and skin infections. The resin is also used in religious ceremonies as incense and is believed to have spiritual cleansing properties. In addition, it is commonly used in Ethiopian cuisine as a flavoring agent in various dishes.
General Appearance
Commiphora habessinica is a small shrubby tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It has multiple branches and its bark is rough and greyish-brown in color. The leaves are bright green, oval-shaped, and arranged alternately on the branches. The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a small drupe that is reddish-brown when ripe. The resin produced by the plant is yellowish-brown in color and has a pleasant aromatic smell.
Growth Conditions for Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. subsp. habessinica
Light
Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. subsp. habessinica thrives in full sunlight. The plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to survive and grow. Insufficient sunlight causes the leaves to yellow and drop, and growth becomes stunted.Temperature
Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. subsp. habessinica is adapted to hot and dry conditions. The ideal temperature for the growth of this plant ranges from 25°C to 35°C. The minimum temperature required for survival is 10°C. Temperatures lower than this can be lethal to the plant.Soil Requirements
Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. subsp. habessinica grows in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it prefers well-drained, sandy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The plant does not perform well in heavy clay soils that retain water. To improve soil drainage, one can mix sand and organic matter into the soil. Good drainage helps prevent root rot, which can kill the plant.Water
Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. subsp. habessinica is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall. However, the plant still needs water to grow. The recommended watering schedule is once every two weeks for young plants, and once a month for mature plants. Overwatering causes root rot, which can kill the plant.Cultivation of Commiphora habessinica subsp. habessinica
Commiphora habessinica subsp. habessinica is a relatively slow-growing plant that requires some attention to grow successfully.
Plant the Commiphora habessinica subsp. habessinica in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. The plant prefers full sunlight, and it’s important to ensure the plant is getting adequate sunlight throughout the day.
During the initial stages, the plant requires some care to establish the root system. Afterward, the plant becomes more tolerant, and watering can be done only when necessary. It’s important to avoid over-watering, which can cause root rot and ultimately kill the plant.
Watering Needs of Commiphora habessinica subsp. habessinica
Commiphora habessinica subsp. habessinica is a relatively drought-tolerant species. During the growing season, the plant should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch. This is usually every two weeks. During the winter season, the plant can be watered even less frequently.
It’s important to avoid over-watering the plant as this can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
Fertilization of Commiphora habessinica subsp. habessinica
The Commiphora habessinica subsp. habessinica plant does not require a lot of fertilization, but some fertilization is necessary to ensure that the plant grows healthy and strong. During the plant’s growing season, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month from spring to early fall.
Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter dormancy period.
Pruning of Commiphora habessinica subsp. habessinica
Commiphora habessinica subsp. habessinica does not require extensive pruning, but some light pruning helps to maintain the plant’s shape and size. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth has begun.
Cut back any dead or damaged wood to just above a healthy bud. Avoid severe cutting back as this can damage the plant, and it will require more time to recover.
It’s important to wear gloves when handling the plant as it exudes a resin that can irritate the skin.
Propagation of Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. subsp. habessinica
Propagation of Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. subsp. habessinica can be done through both sexual and asexual reproduction methods. Some of the common propagation methods include:
Sowing of Seeds
Seeds of Commiphora habessinica can be sown in well-prepared soil or containers. Seeds need to be soaked in water for 24 hours to enhance germination before sowing. The sowing of seeds can be done in the nursery, and the seedlings can be transplanted when they are 6-8 months old.
Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is also a viable option for Commiphora habessinica. Stem cuttings can either be taken from the new shoots or from mature plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting to increase their chances of survival.
Air Layering
Air layering is another asexual propagation method that can be used for Commiphora habessinica. In air layering, a section of the stem is wounded and is covered with soil or a rooting medium. Roots will develop from the wound and root ball formed when the stem is removed from the parent plant.
Budding and Grafting
Budding and grafting are grafting techniques that can be used to propagate clones of Commiphora habessinica. Budding involves grafting a single bud to the rootstock while grafting involves attaching a scion from the parent plant onto the rootstock of a closely related species.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the growing conditions consistent and favorable for the young plants for optimal growth and establishment.
Disease and Pest Management for Commiphora habessinica
Commiphora habessinica is a species of flowering plant native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Like many plants, it can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common issues that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf spot and blight
Leaf spot and blight are fungal diseases characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves and eventual leaf death. To manage these diseases, remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. Practicing good sanitation and avoiding overhead watering can also help prevent these diseases from spreading.
Mites
Mites are small, spider-like pests that can cause discoloration and distortion of leaves. To manage mites, try using neem oil or insecticidal soap, making sure to thoroughly cover both the tops and bottoms of leaves. Predatory mites and ladybugs can also be introduced as natural predators.
Scale insects
Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of plants, sucking sap and causing yellowing and wilting. To manage scale, try using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Alternatively, scale can be physically removed with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or by scraping them off with a fingernail.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies. They can cause damage to leaves by chewing holes in them or eating entire sections. To manage caterpillar infestations, try manual removal or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a biological pesticide that specifically targets caterpillars.
By being vigilant and regularly inspecting your Commiphora habessinica for signs of disease or infestation, you can address any issues quickly and prevent them from spreading. Remember to always follow label instructions when using any pesticides or fungicides to ensure the safety of yourself and your plants.
