Overview
Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. is a small tree species that belongs to the Burseraceae family. It can be found in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. This plant is known for its unique features, and it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Common Names
Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. is commonly known as "Hagar", "Hagare", "Hudur", or "Hudewr" amongst the Somali people. In Arabic, it is known as “Neesir”.
Uses
The Somali people traditionally use Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. as a medicinal plant to treat skin-related problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, and infected wounds. The resin of this plant is mixed with various oils and applied to affected areas. Additionally, its bark and leaves are used to make tea, which is said to help with stomach problems, tuberculosis, and diabetes.
The resin of Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. is also used in the perfume and cosmetic industries. It has an earthy, woody fragrance that is often used in luxury perfumes and incense.
General Appearance
Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. is a small tree that typically grows up to 5 meters in height. Its bark is rough, dark brown, and deeply fissured. The leaves are small, simple, and alternate, with a leathery texture. The flowers are small and yellowish-white, and the fruit is a small red or black berry that is approximately 1 cm in diameter.
One of the most distinctive features of Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. is its hairy branches that are covered in dense white hairs, particularly towards the tips of the branches. This gives the plant a fuzzy appearance, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the "hairy myrrh".
Light Requirements
Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. prefers bright sunlight to thrive. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it may affect its growth rate and productivity. It is advisable to place the plant near a south-facing window for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. is between 18-25°C (65-77°F). The plant prefers warm and humid conditions, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) during winter dormancy. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause stress to the plant and affect its growth rate.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil with pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. It is crucial to ensure the soil is not waterlogged as it may lead to root rot and eventually kill the plant. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its fertility and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation methods:
Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. is a slow-growing plant that requires specific cultivation methods to thrive. It needs well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic pH between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can survive in temperatures up to 45°C and down to 10°C. Plant the seedlings in an area that has shelter from strong winds, and keep them at a distance of at least 2 meters from each other.
Watering needs:
Watering is crucial to the survival of Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. The plant has moderate water needs and requires watering once a week during the growing season. Reduce the frequency of watering during winter to avoid excessively moistening the soil and causing root rot. It is advisable to use rainwater or tap water, but check that the tap water is not too hard, as this can cause salt build-up in the soil and damage the plant.
Fertilization:
Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. requires very little fertilization. Apply a controlled-release fertilizer twice a year, in the spring and fall, especially during active growth periods. Avoid fertilizers that contain high nitrogen content, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduce flowering. Instead, use a balanced fertilizer, providing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote healthy development.
Pruning:
Pruning is not a significant need in maintaining Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. However, you can prune the plant to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring during its dormant period. Use clean and sterilized pruning tools to avoid infecting the plant with diseases, and dispose of the trimmed branches in a clean area. Remember only to remove up to one-third of the plant's total size to avoid damaging it.
Propagation of Commiphora pilosa var. meyeri-johannis
Commiphora pilosa var. meyeri-johannis can be propagated easily through seed germination, cutting and layering.
Propagation through Seed Germination:
The seeds of Commiphora pilosa var. meyeri-johannis are sown in well-draining soil mix in a pot or container. The pot is kept in partial shade or under shade cloth. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The seeds germinate in 3-6 weeks, and young seedlings can be transplanted after 6-8 months when they are sturdy enough to handle.
Propagation through Cutting:
Propagation through cutting can be done with softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings, taken from young shoots of the plant. The cutting is dipped in rooting hormone powder, and then planted in a well-draining soil mix in a pot or container. The pot is kept in partial shade or under shade cloth, and the soil is kept moist, but not waterlogged. The cutting roots after 4-6 weeks, and the plant can be transplanted after 6-8 months when it is well-established.
Propagation through Layering:
Propagation through layering can be done by bending a low hanging branch of the plant to the ground, and covering a portion of it with soil. The part of the branch covered with soil will form roots. After 6-8 months, the rooted branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a new pot or container.
Disease Management
Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. is vulnerable to various types of diseases. The common diseases that might affect the plant are:
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by various fungi, including Phoma communis and Pestalotia sydowiana. Infected leaves show spots of various shapes and sizes, ranging from small brown spots to larger necrotic lesions. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include large sunken spots on leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by various fungi, including Erysiphe cichoracearum. The disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, avoid overhead irrigation, provide good air circulation, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. meyeri-johannis Engl. can also be attacked by various pests. The common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Mites: Mites are tiny insects that suck the sap of the plant and cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage mites, apply insecticidal soaps, oils, or miticides.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick them and destroy them or spray the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach to the stems and leaves. They suck the sap from the plant and cause yellowing and stunting. To manage scale insects, remove them with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol or apply insecticide.
