Description of Commiphora oliveri Engl.
Commiphora oliveri Engl. is a small deciduous tree belonging to the Burseraceae family. It is native to Kenya and Tanzania, and is commonly found in dry, rocky areas. This plant is also known by several common names, such as the savory gum tree, East African myrrh, and ndambia.
General Appearance
Commiphora oliveri Engl. has a characteristic grey-brown bark that is rough and fissured. The tree grows up to 6 meters tall and has a rounded canopy with stiff and leathery leaves that are ovate to elliptic in shape. The flowers are small, yellow-greenish, and are born in clusters. The fruit of the tree is a round drupe, up to 1cm in diameter, with a hard and smooth surface.
Uses
Commiphora oliveri Engl. has a variety of uses in traditional medicine and aromatherapy. The resin from the tree, obtained by making incisions in the bark, is used to treat a range of ailments, such as wounds, skin diseases, and respiratory infections. The resin has also been used as a perfume, incense, and in the production of cosmetics. In addition, the plant is used as a charcoal and fuelwood source, and in the manufacture of traditional handicrafts.
Overall, Commiphora oliveri Engl. is an important plant with a wide range of applications in both traditional medicine and daily life in its native regions.
Light Requirements:
The Commiphora oliveri Engl. plant is a hardy shrub that thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight every day, and hence, it’s best grown in an open space that’s not overshadowed by large trees or buildings. Without adequate sunlight, the plant tends to grow weak and spindly, which makes them susceptible to pests and diseases.
Soil Requirements:
The Commiphora oliveri Engl. plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 7.0-8.0, which means it can thrive in sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. It’s important to note that the plant is a native of Africa, and as such, it’s adapted to grow in areas with low soil fertility and high sand content. Therefore, to grow the plant in modern settings, it’s recommended to mix the soil with organic matter such as compost or manure to provide the necessary nutrients that aren’t inherently available in the soil.
Temperature Requirements:
The Commiphora oliveri Engl. plant is native to arid and semi-arid regions, which means that it’s adapted to grow in hot and dry climates. The best temperature to grow this plant is between 25°C and 35°C, which is the optimal temperature range for it to grow healthy and produce a good yield. The plant is sensitive to frost and cannot withstand temperatures that fall below 15°C, which can cause severe damage to the plant, or kill it entirely.
Cultivation Methods
Commiphora oliveri Engl. is a drought-resistant shrub that grows well in hot and dry conditions. The ideal location to cultivate this plant is in areas with a tropical climate. The plant requires well-drained, sandy soils for best results. However, it can also grow in rocky and gravelly soils.
The shrub is propagated through seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-prepared nursery bed and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent locations once they have developed strong roots and are approximately six months old.
Watering Needs
Commiphora oliveri Engl. requires minimal watering. The plant is drought-resistant and can survive long periods of dry weather. However, for optimal growth, the shrub should be watered regularly during the planting period and the first year of growth. After that, the plant can survive on occasional rainfall. Over-watering can lead to root rot and, ultimately, plant death.
Fertilization
Commiphora oliveri Engl. requires little to no fertilization. The plant is adapted to survive in low-nutrient soils and can obtain the necessary nutrients from the surrounding soil. If fertilization is required, a slow-release fertilizer with a low nitrogen content should be applied during the planting period.
Pruning
Commiphora oliveri Engl. requires minimal pruning. The plant grows naturally into a shrub-like shape and should be allowed to do so. The only pruning required is to remove dead or diseased branches. The pruning should be done during the dormant season, which is usually in the winter.
Propagation of Commiphora oliveri Engl.
Commiphora oliveri Engl. can be propagated through different methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are a common method of propagation for Commiphora oliveri Engl. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits and sterilized by soaking them in 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes. After sterilization, they need to be washed with water and sown in sterile soil mix in a container. The container should be placed in a warm, humid area with enough sunlight but not direct sunlight. The seeds will germinate in 10-20 days.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Commiphora oliveri Engl. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and ¼ inch in diameter, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil mix. They should be placed in a warm, humid area with indirect sunlight, and the soil should be kept moist. The cuttings will develop roots in 2-3 months.
Propagation by Layering
Another method of propagation for Commiphora oliveri Engl. is layering. This method involves bending a branch down to the ground and burying a section of it under the soil. The buried section should be wounded and covered with rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. The branch should be kept in place with a stake, and the soil should be kept moist. After 2-3 months, roots will develop, and the new plant can be separated from the mother plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Commiphora oliveri Engl.
Commiphora oliveri Engl. is a species of plant that belongs to the Burseraceae family. It is native to east Africa and is commonly found in dry areas, such as savannas and woodlands. This plant species is valued for its resin, which is used for medicinal purposes, such as in traditional remedies for coughs, colds, and wounds. However, like any other plant species, Commiphora oliveri is susceptible to diseases and pests that can damage or kill the plants.
Common Diseases affecting Commiphora oliveri
Several diseases can affect Commiphora oliveri, including:
- Leaf blight: This disease causes the leaves of the plant to turn brown and eventually fall off. It is caused by a fungus, and it thrives in humid conditions. To manage this disease, prune off the infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi, and it affects the roots of the plant. The first sign of root rot is wilting leaves, followed by yellowing and falling off of the leaves. To manage this disease, remove any infected parts, improve drainage, and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Anthracnose: This disease affects the stems, leaves, and twigs of the plant, causing them to appear blackened and sunken. The disease is caused by a fungus, and it thrives in humid conditions. To manage this disease, prune off the infected parts and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Common Pests affecting Commiphora oliveri
Commiphora oliveri is also susceptible to pests that can damage the plants. Some common pests include:
- Mites: Mites are tiny arthropods that suck out plant sap, causing the plant to turn yellow or brown. They also cause leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage mites, use an insecticidal soap or a miticide.
- Leaf-miners: Leaf-miners are insect larvae that tunnel through leaves, causing them to become distorted and discolored. To manage leaf-miners, prune off the infected parts and use insecticides if necessary.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies, and they can cause extensive damage to plants. They feed on the leaves and stems, skeletonizing the leaves and causing defoliation. To manage caterpillars, use insecticides, or pick them off by hand if the infestation is small.
It is essential to monitor Commiphora oliveri regularly for signs of disease and pest infestations. Early detection and proper management can prevent the spread of these problems and help keep the plants healthy.
