Overview
Commiphora mulelame (Hiern) K.Schum. is a species of the genus Commiphora in the family Burseraceae. This plant is also known by the common names of South African Myrrh and Zulu Myrrh. It is typically found in the savannas and coastal forests of east and southern Africa.
Appearance
Commiphora mulelame is a small tree that can reach up to 3 meters in height. It has a pale grey bark, with branches that are green when young but eventually turn brown and become thorny. The leaves are small, elliptical, and grow in clusters. The flowers are yellowish-green, and the fruit is a small oval-shaped capsule that contains one or two seeds.
Uses
Commiphora mulelame has been traditionally used by indigenous peoples for various medicinal and cultural purposes. The resin of the plant has been used to treat respiratory infections, skin ailments, and as a purgative. In Zulu culture, it is burnt as an incense during ceremonies and is believed to ward off evil spirits. Additionally, the thorn branches of the plant have been used to create fences and baskets.
Light Requirements
The plant Commiphora mulelame requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but will not thrive if grown in a fully shaded area. Therefore, if you plan to grow this plant, ensure that you provide it with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Commiphora mulelame requires warm temperatures to thrive. It grows well in regions with a tropical or subtropical climate. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20 to 40 degrees Celsius. However, it can tolerate moderate periods of freezing temperatures if the soil is well-drained.
Soil Requirements
The plant Commiphora mulelame prefers well-drained soils of good quality, and it grows best in sandy to heavy clay soils. It also prefers slightly acidic to alkaline soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. You can make the soil more suitable for growth by adding organic matter like compost or manure to the soil. Ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Commiphora mulelame is an indigenous plant to Southern Africa and grows well in warm and dry conditions. It prefers well-draining soils and can thrive in sandy or rocky soils. It is cultivated through propagation methods such as seeds, cuttings, or layering. If grown from seeds, you will need to prepare the soil by loosening it and remove any weeds or debris. Sow the seeds lightly onto the soil surface and mist them with water. Cover them lightly with soil, press down gently, and regularly water after sowing. Once seedlings have grown 4-5 true leaves, transplant them to their final place, giving enough space for their growth according to their use, either for landscaping or medicinal purposes.
Watering Needs
Commiphora mulelame is a drought-tolerant plant and requires minimal watering. Young plants should be watered thoroughly and allow the water to drain out of the pot or soil. Once the plant is established, reduce watering to once a week or bi-weekly. Overwatering can cause root rot, and underwatering can cause stress to the plant, causing it to dry out quickly.
Fertilization
Commiphora mulelame prefers soils with nutrient availability, and you can add compost to the soil suitable for planting. The application of a balanced granular fertilizer once or twice a year, according to the manufacturer's instructions, will support the plant’s growth and yield. Fertilization should be done in early spring and mid-summer. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can cause excessive growth that predisposes it to diseases and pests.
Pruning
Commiphora mulelame requires minimal pruning as it grows into an open-branched tree or shrub with low foliage. However, to maintain the plant's shape or size, pruning can be done in early spring or late winter. Only prune the stems when necessary and avoid cutting back more than a third of the plant's branches. After pruning, dispose of the cuttings away from the plant to prevent disease spread.
Propagation of Commiphora mulelame
Commiphora mulelame (Hiern) K.Schum. can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, grafting, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Commiphora mulelame can be collected from the plant when the fruit ripens. The fruit can be dried and the seeds can be extracted from the dried fruit. The seeds must be treated with hot water to facilitate the germination process. Once the seeds have been treated, they can be sown in well-draining soil and watered regularly. It can take up to two months for the seedlings to emerge.
Cutting Propagation
Commiphora mulelame can be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature and healthy plants in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and include a few leaves. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and inserted into well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings develop roots, which can take up to six weeks.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Commiphora mulelame. The scion, which is a small stem with a few leaves, is taken from a mature and healthy plant of the same species. The scion is grafted onto the rootstock of another Commiphora species. The rootstock provides the necessary root system for the scion to grow. The grafted plant should be kept in a humid and protected environment until it develops roots.
Air Layering
Air layering is a method of propagation that involves inducing roots to form on a stem that is still attached to the parent plant. To propagate Commiphora mulelame using air layering, a section of the stem is selected and a few leaves are removed from the stem. A cut is made in the stem and a rooting hormone is applied. The cut area is then wrapped in moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic. Roots will begin to form at the cut area, and once the roots are well developed, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and potted in well-draining soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Commiphora mulelame (Hiern) K.Schum.
Commiphora mulelame (Hiern) K.Schum., also known as the velvet corkwood tree, is an African tree species that belongs to the family Burseraceae. While it is generally a hardy plant, it is still susceptible to various pests and diseases that can significantly affect its growth and yield. Effective disease and pest management are therefore essential to ensure optimal plant health and productivity.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Commiphora mulelame is anthracnose, a fungal disease that causes leaf spot, defoliation, and twig dieback. The disease can be effectively managed by pruning infected branches, removing and destroying infected plant debris, and applying fungicides such as copper-based sprays.
Another disease that affects the plant is root rot, which is caused by soilborne pathogens such as Phytophthora spp. and Rhizoctonia spp. Symptoms of the disease include wilted, yellow leaves, stunted growth, and root discoloration. To prevent root rot, it is recommended to plant the tree in well-draining soil and reduce excessive watering.
Common Pests
Commiphora mulelame is also susceptible to insect pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Mealybugs are tiny, soft-bodied insects that usually form colonies on the undersides of leaves and around branch nodes. They feed on the plant sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Mealybugs can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Aphids, on the other hand, are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and deformation of shoots. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or by using neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Spider mites are another common pest that affect Commiphora mulelame. These tiny insects feed on the plant sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves and can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Preventative Measures
Aside from controlling pests and diseases, preventative measures can also be taken to ensure optimal plant health. These include maintaining proper soil and plant nutrition, avoiding overwatering or underwatering, and regularly pruning and removing dead or diseased plant parts. Regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of disease or pest infestation is also essential to allow for early detection and effective management.
In conclusion, Commiphora mulelame is a valuable tree species that requires effective disease and pest management to ensure optimal productivity. A combination of preventative measures, regular monitoring, and the use of appropriate control methods can help to minimize the impact of pests and diseases on the plant and promote its overall health and well-being.
