Commiphora holosericea Engl. - Description, Origins, and Uses
Commiphora holosericea Engl., also known as the Velvet Raisin, is a plant species in the Burseraceae family. It is a small tree or a shrub native to East Africa, particularly in Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
General Appearance
The Velvet Raisin has a unique appearance that easily sets it apart from other plant species. It has a smooth and greyish stem with rough bark and a few branches. The leaves are small, compound, and clustered, while the flowers are small and typically greenish to yellow. The fruit yields a raisin-like product that is velvety and reddish-brown, which is precisely how it got its name.
Common Names
The Velvet Raisin is known by several common names, including Mukawakwai, Keledang, and Kadad. However, its most popular name is the Velvet Raisin, which describes its raisin-like fruit covered in fine hairs.
Uses
The tree and its raisin-like fruit have various traditional medicinal uses. The bark, roots, and seeds have been used to treat various ailments, including dysentery, respiratory infections, and fever. The fruit, on the other hand, is commonly used to treat abdominal pains, diarrhea, and indigestion. Apart from its medicinal properties, the fruit is also used as a condiment, especially in soup and porridge. The tree's resin is used to manufacture perfumes, cosmetics, and incense, among other products. Mechanically, the wood is useful in fencing and the construction of small furniture and handles.
Growth Conditions for Commiphora holosericea Engl.
Commiphora holosericea Engl. is a semi-deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Arabia. This plant is also known as the Velvet-leaved Gum or the Myrrh Tree. It is not very common in cultivation but can be grown in suitable conditions.
Light Requirements
Commiphora holosericea Engl. prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate high levels of sunlight and heat. Therefore, it is best grown in an open area where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day. Lack of sufficient light can lead to thinning of the foliage and reduced growth.
Temperature Requirements
Commiphora holosericea Engl. requires warm temperatures to grow properly. It can tolerate high temperatures up to 40 °C but cannot withstand frost or temperatures below 10 °C. This plant is ideal for regions with a warm to hot climate. It is also drought-tolerant and can survive long periods of dry weather once it is established.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Commiphora holosericea Engl. should be well-draining and fertile. It is best grown in sandy, loamy, or rocky soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. The plant prefers soil that is slightly alkaline. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soil or saline conditions. Therefore, it is essential to ensure proper drainage in the planting area. This plant is adapted to arid and semi-arid regions where the soil is sandy and dry.
In conclusion, Commiphora holosericea Engl. is a hardy plant that can tolerate adverse conditions. It can be grown in warm to hot climates with ample sunlight and well-draining soil. This plant is not very common in cultivation, but it can add a unique touch to any landscape that can support its growth.
Cultivation Methods
Commiphora holosericea Engl. is primarily grown in arid regions, and it prefers warm temperatures and sandy, well-draining soils. It is best propagated via seed in the spring, and the seeds should be planted just below the soil surface. The plant generally grows slowly and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping projects.
Watering Needs
While Commiphora holosericea Engl. can handle drought conditions, it still requires adequate water to thrive. It is recommended to water the plant once a week during the growing season, and reduce the frequency during the dormant period. However, overwatering can be harmful, leading to root rot and other problems.
Fertilization
Since Commiphora holosericea Engl. is adapted to low-nutrient soils, it does not require frequent fertilization. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help improve growth and vigor. It is important to avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they may promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
Pruning
Commiphora holosericea Engl. generally requires minimal pruning to shape or remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done during the dormant period to minimize stress on the plant. It is important to use proper tools and techniques to avoid damaging the bark or causing other injuries that may lead to disease or insect infestations.
Propagation of Commiphora holosericea Engl.
Commiphora holosericea Engl. can be propagated both by seeds and vegetative means. However, seeds are the most commonly used method for propagation.
Propagation by seeds
The plant produces small, pea-shaped fruits that contain about two or three seeds each. It is best to collect the seeds from ripe fruits because the seeds are more viable at that time. The seeds should be soaked in water for about 24 hours before sowing them.
The soil mix for sowing seeds should be well-draining and fertile. The seeds should be sown in shallow holes of about 0.5 to 1 cm deep. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until germination occurs. Germination can take up to four weeks.
After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots. The pots should be filled with a well-draining soil mix. The plants should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area until they are well established. Once the plants are established, they can be moved to a sunny area and gradually exposed to full sun.
Propagation by vegetative means
Commiphora holosericea Engl. can be propagated by taking stem cuttings from the mother plant. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season, when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce water loss. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shaded area until they have rooted. This can take up to six weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots and cared for in the same way as seedlings.
Disease and Pest Management for Commiphora holosericea Engl.
Commiphora holosericea Engl. is a resilient plant species that can tolerate drought and extreme temperatures. However, it is still vulnerable to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the most common issues that may arise and how to manage them:
Leaf spot diseases
Leaf spot diseases, including Phoma exigua var. holosericea and Pestalotiopsis guepiniformis, are common among Commiphora holosericea. They appear as small to large brown spots on leaves and can cause defoliation, weakening the plant. To manage these diseases, remove and destroy infected leaves and branches, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides containing copper or chlorothalonil.
Root rot and stem canker
Root rot and stem canker caused by various pathogens such as Fusarium solani and Phytophthora nicotianae, can be severe in Commiphora holosericea, often causing death. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and necrosis of leaves, stem discoloration and ultimately plant death. To control root rot and stem canker, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, replanting in uninfected soil and use of fungicides.
Aphids
Aphids are a common pest for Commiphora holosericea and can cause significant damage by feeding on plant juices. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage aphid infestations, physically remove them using a stream of water or apply insecticidal soap, neem oil or a systemic insecticide which is safe to use.
Spider mites
Spider mites are another common pest that can affect Commiphora holosericea, causing yellowing and bronzing of leaves. These pests thrive in hot and dry conditions and can reproduce quickly. To manage spider mites, keep the plants consistently moist, prune affected leaves and apply insecticidal soap or a miticide.
Scale insects
Scale insects are another sap-sucking pest that can damage Commiphora holosericea. They appear as small, circular, raised bumps on the leaves, stems and branches of plants. To manage scale insects, prune and dispose of heavily infested plant parts, manually remove the live insects, and apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
By being vigilant and implementing the above management strategies, you can maintain a healthy and thriving Commiphora holosericea plant that is less susceptible to damage from diseases and pests.
