Description of Commiphora Pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. venosa Mattick
Commiphora Pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. venosa Mattick is a type of flowering plant that can grow up to 8 meters tall. The plant belongs to the Burseraceae family, and is endemic to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. It has a few common names which include Scented Myrrh, Dune Myrrh, Mwinilunga Myrrhor, and Sand Myrrh among others.
General appearance
Commiphora Pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. venosa Mattick has a shrub or small tree-like appearance, which can grow up to a maximum of 8 meters in height. Its bark is grey and smooth, with prominent vertical lines. The leaves of the plant are circular, oval or elliptic, ending in a sharp point. The leaves have a glossy and hairless surface, and grow up to 11 cm long and 6 cm wide. The flowers of the plant are small, yellowish- or pinkish-white and appear in clusters, usually at the end of the branches.
Origin
Commiphora Pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. venosa Mattick is native to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. It grows abundantly in sandy soils of the coastal plains and inland dunes of southern Africa.
Uses
In traditional medicine, various parts of the Commiphora Pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. venosa Mattick plant have been used for medicinal purposes such as treating respiratory problems, diarrhea, snake bites, fever, and menstrual pain. The dried resin of the plant, known as myrrh, has been used for centuries in perfumes, incense, cosmetics, and for medicinal purposes.
Due to its unique appearance and pleasant aroma, Commiphora Pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. venosa Mattick is also grown as an ornamental plant in some countries.
Light Requirements
Commiphora pilosa var. venosa Mattick thrives in full sun. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow completely. Therefore, it is advisable to cultivate it in an area without any shade or any form of hindrance from other plants or trees that may block its required sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Commiphora pilosa var. venosa Mattick generally prefers a warm climate. It is well-suited to tropical and subtropical regions. It needs a temperature range of between 20 to 30°C for optimal growth. However, it can still survive under a temperature range of between 15 to 40°C. Temperatures below 15°C will lead to stunted growth or even death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Commiphora pilosa var. venosa Mattick can grow in different soil types such as sandy, loamy and rocky soils. However, it is advisable to use well-draining soil to prevent root rot. The plant prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Regular watering and the addition of organic matter to the soil will promote its growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Commiphora pilosa is a small sized deciduous tree. It grows well in sandy, well-drained soil, with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5. The plant can withstand drought and extreme heat making it ideal for cultivation in dry regions. However, it cannot tolerate frost and requires protection in colder regions.
Watering Needs
When Commiphora pilosa is young, it needs consistent watering until it establishes itself. However, it can survive long periods of drought when mature. Watering should be done only when the soil is completely dry to avoid root rot. Deep watering is preferable to shallow watering, as it encourages deep root growth.
Fertilization
Commiphora pilosa requires minimal fertilization. It can benefit from a balanced fertilizer, usually during the growing season. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided as they encourage more foliage growth than necessary. A slow-release fertilizer is highly recommended, as it will release nutrients gradually over time.
Pruning
Pruning of Commiphora pilosa should be done during the dormant period. Dead, diseased, and damaged branches should be pruned away. Young trees can have lower branches removed to encourage a single trunk, while older trees can be pruned to control their size and shape. Pruning can also be done to maintain a good circulation of air, which helps to reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. venosa Mattick
Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. venosa Mattick is a plant native to eastern Africa and is commonly propagated through seeds as well as vegetative means such as cuttings and layering.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common method for propagating Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. venosa Mattick. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix that is kept moist. It is recommended to sow a few seeds in each pot to increase the chances of successful germination. Seeds should be kept warm (around 25°C) and in a humid environment to increase the chances of successful germination. Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings can be done by collecting young shoots from the plant. These should be cut just below the node and treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a humid environment until they have developed roots and new growth. This method can take longer than seed propagation but is another option for propagating Commiphora pilosa (Engl.) Engl. var. venosa Mattick.
Propagation through Layering
Propagation through layering involves burying a portion of a branch or stem of the plant while still attached to the parent plant. Once roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant. This method is best done in the spring and can be a slower process than the other methods mentioned.
Disease and Pest Management for Commiphora pilosa var. venosa Mattick
Commiphora pilosa var. venosa Mattick, commonly known as the velvet corkwood, belongs to Burseraceae family, and it is native to South Africa. This plant is drought-resistant and can tolerate harsh environmental conditions. However, it is not entirely immune to plant diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect velvet corkwood is the Powdery Mildew. This fungal disease manifests itself as a white, powdery substance on the upper surface of the leaves. To manage this disease, you can prune the affected leaves, increase airflow around the plant, and apply fungicides. Other fungal diseases that affect the velvet corkwood include Leaf Spot, Anthracnose, Rust, and Stem Canker.
The velvet corkwood is also vulnerable to bacterial diseases such as Bacterial Canker and Crown Gall. Both diseases cause wilting, yellowing, and death of the leaves. To manage bacterial diseases, you can prune the affected parts of the plant, apply copper-based fungicides, and ensure proper drainage of the soil.
Common Pests
One of the most damaging pests that attack the velvet corkwood is the Spider Mite. Spider mites suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. To manage spider mites, you can apply insecticidal soap, neem oil, or predatory mites.
The velvet corkwood is also vulnerable to scale insects, specifically the Soft Brown Scale. Soft Brown Scales typically attack stems and leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage scale insects, you can prune the affected parts of the plant and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Another pest that can attack velvet corkwood is the Mealybug. Mealybugs cluster together on the leaves, sucking sap and causing yellowing and wilting. To manage mealybugs, you can manually remove them and dispose of the affected leaves, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of the plant is essential in ensuring that diseases and pests are detected early. Proper cultural practices such as adequate watering, fertilization, and pruning should be followed to ensure that the plant is healthy and can withstand common diseases and pests.
