Commiphora opobalsamum (L.) Engl. var. ehrenbergianum (O.Berg) Engl.
Commiphora opobalsamum (L.) Engl. var. ehrenbergianum (O.Berg) Engl., also known as Balsam Tree, Balm of Gilead, and Mecca Balsam Tree, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Burseraceae family. This plant is native to the Arabian Peninsula, specifically found in Yemen, Oman, and the Sinai Peninsula.
General Appearance
The Balsam Tree generally grows up to 4 meters tall and is a very leafless plant, with the leaves falling off during the dry season. The bark of the plant is smooth and pale brown and has white sap. The flowers are small and yellow-green, with five petals.
Uses
The sap of the Balsam Tree is used to produce an aromatic substance that is used in perfumes and incense. The resin can also be used as a medicine for respiratory problems like asthma and coughs. The resin and oil extracted from the plant are used in aromatherapy as well and are believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the resin was historically used in the embalming process in ancient Egypt.
The fruit of the Balsam Tree is also edible, and its seeds can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute. The wood of the Balsam Tree is used for carving and building.
Growth Conditions for Commiphora opobalsamum var. ehrenbergianum
Light: Commiphora opobalsamum var. ehrenbergianum typically prefers full sunlight, but can tolerate some shade. In its native range, it grows in areas with direct exposure to the sun.
Temperature: This plant can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It is adapted to hot and dry conditions but can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C. Ideally, the temperature range for optimal growth is between 20-32°C.
Soil: Commiphora opobalsamum var. ehrenbergianum grows best in well-draining soils, which are neutral to alkaline in pH. It can survive periods of drought and is adapted to dry, rocky, and sandy soil types. It prefers soils with low to moderate fertility.
Water: While this plant is adapted to arid conditions, it still requires some water to survive and grow. Watering should be done sparingly and only when the soil is dry to the touch. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other diseases. In areas with high rainfall, it may not require any additional watering.
Fertilizer: Commiphora opobalsamum var. ehrenbergianum does not require much fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and reduced production of resin. A small amount of slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated by seed or by cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or fall and should be placed in a well-draining soil mix.
Cultivation Method for Commiphora Opobalsamum (L.) Engl. var. Ehrenbergianum (O.Berg) Engl.
Commiphora Opobalsamum (L.) Engl. var. Ehrenbergianum (O.Berg) Engl, also known as Balsamodendrum gileadense hails from the Burseraceae family and is native to parts of Oman, Yemen, and Somalia. The plant requires warmer conditions and can be grown in sandy soils. The plant is typically propagated from cuttings, and the best time to do this would be in the spring season.
Watering Needs
The watering needs for Commiphora Opobalsamum (L.) Engl. var. Ehrenbergianum (O.Berg) Engl is not very high. The plant is adapted to desert conditions and does not require much water. It is advisable to water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be damaging to the plant.
Fertilization
Commiphora Opobalsamum (L.) Engl. var. Ehrenbergianum (O.Berg) Engl does not require frequent fertilization. However, applying fertilizers can help to improve the growth and the quality of the plant. It is advisable to use a slow-release fertilizer, preferably during the growing season. Over-fertilization can lead to the development of weaker stems, which can be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of care for Commiphora Opobalsamum (L.) Engl. var. Ehrenbergianum (O.Berg) Engl. It helps to shape the plant and also to remove any dead branches or yellowing leaves. The best time to prune the plant is in the winter season when the plant is in its dormant phase. It is important to use sterilized pruning shears when pruning the plant to avoid the spread of infections.
Propagation of Commiphora opobalsamum var. ehrenbergianum
Commiphora opobalsamum var. ehrenbergianum is a valuable resin-producing plant found in arid regions of Africa and the Middle East. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods as explained below.
Seed propagation
The plant can be propagated through seeds, but the germination rate is low. The seeds must be collected from mature fruits, and their viability can be improved by soaking them in water for 24 hours before planting. The seedlings must be grown under partial shade and protected from direct sunlight until they are established.
Cuttings propagation
The use of stem cuttings is the easiest and most common method of propagation for Commiphora opobalsamum var. ehrenbergianum. Cuttings must be taken during the dormant period, and the stems must be woody, mature, and disease-free. The cuttings must be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining growing medium. Bottom heat and high humidity must be maintained to improve the rooting process. The cuttings must be transplanted to their final destination once they are established.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is another propagation method for Commiphora opobalsamum var. ehrenbergianum, where a scion of the preferred cultivar is grafted onto a rootstock of a related species. Grafting helps to produce multiple plants with the same desired qualities as the parent plant, and it is a faster method of propagation than seed or cutting propagation. However, grafting requires specialized skills and knowledge of the plant's physiology and anatomy.
Disease Management
Commiphora opobalsamum var. ehrenbergianum is a hardy plant that is resistant to many diseases. However, there are some diseases that can affect the plant, such as:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruit of the plant. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide to the plant.
- Root Rot: Overwatering and poorly draining soil can cause root rot in Commiphora opobalsamum var. ehrenbergianum. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and water the plant only when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide to the plant.
Pest Management
Commiphora opobalsamum var. ehrenbergianum is also resistant to many pests. However, there are some pests that can affect the plant, such as:
- Mealybugs: These small, white insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, remove them by hand and spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests also feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a jet of water to knock them off, and apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant.
- Caterpillars: These insects feed on the leaves of the plant, causing large holes and damage. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand and apply a biological insecticide or neem oil to the plant.
