Overview of Commiphora horrida Chiov.
Commiphora horrida Chiov. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Burseraceae. It is commonly known as the 'throwing stick tree' or 'Gololcha' in the Afar language. This plant is native to East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia and Somalia.
Description of Commiphora horrida Chiov.
The throwing stick tree is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 3 meters in height. Its bark is dark brown and rough, with corky patches and warty outgrowths. The leaves are compound and alternate, with 3-7 leaflets that are elliptical and hairy. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and are grouped in clusters or panicles. The fruits are round or oval-shaped, dry, and contain a single seed.
Uses of Commiphora horrida Chiov.
The throwing stick tree is highly valued by local communities for its various uses. The resin extracted from the stem and branches is used as incense, perfume, and traditional medicine. The leaves and twigs are used as fodder for livestock, and the bark is used for making rugs, ropes, and baskets. The tree is also used as an ornamental plant and for soil stabilization in dryland areas.
The resin of C. horrida Chiov. has been found to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a potential source for developing new drugs. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as skin diseases, malaria, and toothache.
Conclusion
The throwing stick tree, or Commiphora horrida Chiov., is a versatile plant that has a significant economic and cultural importance among communities in East Africa. Its various uses, coupled with its hardiness and adaptability to arid environments, make it an invaluable resource for the region.
Typical Growth Conditions of Commiphora horrida Chiov.
Commiphora horrida Chiov. is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. It is typically found in arid and semi-arid regions in East Africa, particularly in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Here are some of the typical growth conditions required for Commiphora horrida:
Light
Commiphora horrida requires full sunlight exposure for at least six hours per day. It can tolerate partial shade, but the growth rate may be slower compared to when it is grown in full sun. Shade can also promote fungal infections, which can be detrimental to the growth of the plant.
Temperature
Commiphora horrida can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F) and as high as 40°C (104°F). However, it prefers temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F). Extreme temperatures can slow down the growth of the plant and cause damage to the leaves and stems.
Soil Requirements
Commiphora horrida can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.5. The plant can tolerate soils with low fertility levels but requires moderate levels of nitrogen and phosphorus for optimal growth. Commiphora horrida also requires good soil aeration, as it has shallow roots that require oxygen to grow.
Overall, Commiphora horrida is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in harsh environmental conditions. By providing full sunlight exposure, moderate temperatures, and well-draining soils with moderate levels of nutrients, this plant can grow healthy and robust.
Cultivation
Commiphora horrida Chiov. is native to arid regions of East Africa and is well adapted to hot and dry conditions. It prefers sandy or loamy soil that is well-drained and slightly alkaline. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, but cuttings often have a higher success rate. Plant in an area that receives full sunlight.
Watering
While it is important not to overwater Commiphora horrida Chiov., adequate watering is necessary during the establishment period. Water the plant deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. After the establishment period, watering can be reduced to every two to three weeks depending on rainfall and soil moisture levels.
Fertilization
Commiphora horrida Chiov. is adapted to low-nutrient soils and may not require fertilization. However, if growth is slow or the leaves show signs of nutrient deficiency, apply a balanced fertilizer with a low-nitrogen content during the growing season. Do not fertilize during the winter or dormant period.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Commiphora horrida Chiov. unless the plant is being grown as a hedge or to control its size. Prune during the dormant period in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use sharp, sterilized tools to make cuts and remove up to one-third of the plant's growth to shape it as desired.
Propagation of Commiphora horrida Chiov.
Commiphora horrida Chiov. can be propagated through various methods including seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Commiphora horrida Chiov. are collected during the dry season when they are easily available. The seeds are extracted from the mature and dry fruits and are stored in a cool and dry place before sowing. The seeds are sown in the nursery during the onset of the rainy season. The seeds can take up to 2-3 weeks to germinate. Seedlings can be transplanted to the field after they have developed roots.
Propagation through Cuttings
Commiphora horrida Chiov. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings of about 10-15 cm length with 3-4 nodes can be taken from healthy plants during the early rainy season. The lower leaves are removed and the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone before planting them in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings can be rooted in about 3-4 weeks and can be transplanted to the field when they have developed roots.
Propagation through Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Commiphora horrida Chiov. It involves wounding a branch of the plant and wrapping it with a rooting medium such as sphagnum moss or a mixture of sand and peat moss, which is kept moist. The roots develop from the wound and grow into the rooting medium. Once the roots have developed, the branch is cut off from the parent plant, and the newly rooted plant is transplanted to the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Commiphora horrida Chiov.
Commiphora horrida Chiov., commonly known as Basso or African Myrrh, is a species of flowering plant in the Burseraceae family. Like most plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests which can cause damage to the plant and reduce its growth and yield. Therefore, proper disease and pest management techniques are necessary to maintain the health and growth of this plant.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Commiphora horrida is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white or grayish powder on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, you can use a fungicide spray that contains copper or sulfur. Also, reducing humidity and providing proper ventilation can help control powdery mildew.
Another disease that affects the plant is root rot. Root rot is caused by waterlogging and poor drainage. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained, and avoid overwatering the plant. If the plant is already infected, you can apply a fungicide to the soil and reduce watering until the soil dries out.
Common Pests
Commiphora horrida can also be attacked by various pests such as spider mites, scales, and mealybugs. Spider mites feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause yellowing and wilting. To manage spider mites, you can use a miticide spray or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Scales and mealybugs can also infest the plant and cause damage. They feed on the plant sap and secrete honeydew which attracts ants and can cause black mold growth. To control these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or oil, or introduce beneficial predators like parasitic wasps or predatory mites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Commiphora horrida Chiov. is a beautiful plant that requires proper disease and pest management techniques to maintain its health and growth. Some of the common diseases and pests that affect the plant include powdery mildew, root rot, spider mites, scales, and mealybugs. Knowing how to identify and manage these problems can help ensure the long-term health and productivity of the plant.
