Description of Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. var. simplicifolia Schweinf.
Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. var. simplicifolia Schweinf., also known as Hagar, is a plant species that belongs to the family Burseraceae. This plant is native to Ethiopia and Eritrea and is also found in other African countries such as Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. It is a small deciduous tree that can reach up to 2-3 meters in height.
General Appearance
The stem of Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. var. simplicifolia Schweinf. is covered with a thin layer of bark that is grey to brown in color. The leaves are trifoliate, meaning they have three leaflets, and are simple in shape. The flowers are small and yellowish-green, and the fruit is a small capsule that contains small brown seeds.
Common Names
Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. var. simplicifolia Schweinf. is commonly known as Hagar in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is also known as 'Haagar', 'Haggar', or 'Hajr' in other African countries.
Uses
Commiphora habessinica (O.Berg) Engl. var. simplicifolia Schweinf. has been used for various purposes by the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea. The bark of the tree is used as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments including respiratory infections, skin diseases, and digestive problems. The resin of the tree is used as incense and also in perfumes and cosmetics. The wood of the tree is used for carving and making furniture.
Light Requirements
Commiphora habessinica var. simplicifolia Schweinf. is an extremely hardy plant that can grow well in full sun to partial shade conditions. However, it prefers bright sunlight with some shading during the hottest hours of the day. During its early growth phases, the plant requires plenty of light to grow optimally.
Temperature Requirements
Commiphora habessinica var. simplicifolia Schweinf. is a plant species that is well adapted to harsh environmental conditions. It thrives well in an arid and semi-arid climate. The plant can endure a wide range of temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 40°C, but it thrives best in temperatures between 25°C and 35°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers sandy, loamy, or rocky soil. The soil must be well-drained, with a pH range between 7.0 and 8.0. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil salinity, making it suitable for growth in semi-arid and arid regions where soil salinity is high.
Cultivation Methods for Commiphora habessinica
Commiphora habessinica is commonly known as the East African myrrh tree and is native to Ethiopia and Somalia. This drought-tolerant plant can be grown in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
The ideal planting time for Commiphora habessinica is during the rainy season, which is generally from late February to early May. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or air layering. Cuttings should be taken from the mother plant and planted in well-draining soil that has been moistened but not overwatered. A rooting hormone can be applied to enhance their growth.
Watering Needs for Commiphora habessinica
Commiphora habessinica is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive in harsh conditions. It requires moderate watering during the growing season, but too much or too little water can be detrimental to its growth. Make sure that the soil does not stay waterlogged, and allow the topsoil to dry between watering sessions. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week when planted in the ground. Potted plants should be checked daily, and watering should be done only when the soil starts to dry out.
Fertilization for Commiphora habessinica
Commiphora habessinica does not require frequent fertilization. It can thrive in poor soil conditions, but a balanced fertilizer can be added during the growing season to enhance its growth. Fertilizers with higher nitrogen content should be avoided. Slow-release fertilizers can be applied every six months, or a liquid fertilizer can be applied every four weeks during the growing season.
Pruning for Commiphora habessinica
Commiphora habessinica does not require frequent pruning. Dead or damaged branches can be removed during the dormant season, which is generally in late winter or early spring. It is recommended to use sharp and clean pruning shears to avoid injuring the plant. The plant can be shaped to maintain its desired size, but it is advisable to avoid excessive pruning.
Propagation of Commiphora habessinica var. simplicifolia
Commiphora habessinica var. simplicifolia is a drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. This plant bears small, yellow-green, and fragrant flowers that bloom in the winter and early spring. Propagation of this plant can be achieved via various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Commiphora habessinica var. simplicifolia via seeds is quite easy. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture during the spring and cover lightly with soil. Water the soil thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes around 4-6 weeks. After germination, the plants should be transplanted to their permanent location. This method requires patience, but it is a reliable way to propagate this plant.
Cuttings Propagation
Another common method of propagation is through cuttings. Take a young, softwood cutting from a healthy plant in the spring or early summer, preferably at the tip of a stem. Ensure that the cutting is at least 10 cm long and has at least one node and 2-3 leaves. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a shaded area for a few weeks until it develops roots. After the roots develop, transplant the plant into its permanent location.
Layering Propagation
Propagation of Commiphora habessinica var. simplicifolia can also be done using the layering method. Select a healthy branch that is low to the ground, and scrape the bark slightly to create a shallow wound. Then, bend the branch down and bury the wounded portion in a shallow trench, ensuring that only the leaves remain visible. Secure the branch in place using stones or pegs. After a few months, roots will form at the wounded area. Cut the branch from the mother plant and transplant it to its permanent location.
Disease Management
Despite being a hardy plant, Commiphora habessinica var. simplicifolia can be susceptible to certain diseases. Some of the common diseases that may affect this plant are:
- Leaf Spot: Occurs due to fungal infections from pathogens like Phaeophleospora erratica and Phyllosticta communis. This disease causes the leaves to turn brown or black and may eventually cause them to drop. To manage this, dispose-off infected leaves and avoid overcrowding the plant.
- Powdery Mildew: This is caused by fungi like Leveillula taurica. Signs of this disease may include a white, powdery patch on the leaves, and brown patches may develop later. By increasing air circulation, watering at the base of the plant and avoiding overhead watering, the disease can be managed.
- Root Rot: This disease can arise due to overwatering, poor drainage, or the presence of fungi like Pythium and Phytophthora. The plant may show signs of wilting or yellowing before the leaves drop off. To manage this, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage of the soil
Pest Management
Commiphora habessinica var. simplicifolia is also susceptible to pest infestations. Some of the common pests that may affect this plant and ways to manage them are:
- Spider Mites: These pests thrive in hot and dry conditions and cause leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually drop off. To manage this, use an insecticidal soap or spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to remove them.
- Scale Insects: These pests cause yellowing of leaves and leave a sticky substance behind on the plant. They can be scraped off or treated with an application of insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: These pests cause yellowing and discoloration of leaves and excrete a sticky honeydew that leads to the growth of black sooty mold. They can be controlled by introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings and treating with insecticidal soap.
