Overview
Commiphora schimperi is a perennial shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Burseraceae. It is native to the Horn of Africa, specifically Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya. The plant produces resin that has been used for various medicinal and cultural purposes.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as the Ethiopian myrrh, or in its native language, "habakaya".
Appearance
The Commiphora schimperi is a deciduous plant that grows up to 6 meters tall. It has a thorny and rough bark, with small leaves that take a glossy green color. The flowers are small, and the plant produces oval-shaped fruits that turn deep red when ripe. It is a highly resilient plant that can grow in various environments, such as dry and rocky areas.
Uses
The plant's resin is highly valued for its medicinal properties, known to be antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic. The resin has been used to treat various conditions such as ulcers, bronchitis, and arthritis pain. Ethiopian myrrh has also been used as a fragrance in perfumes, incense, and cosmetics. In traditional African cultures, the plant is used in religious and cultural ceremonies and is believed to have spiritual and magical properties.
The bark, leaves, and fruits also have medicinal properties and have been used to treat various ailments. The bark is used as a local anesthetic, while the leaves are used to treat skin diseases. The fruits are known to have anti-diarrheal properties, and the juice is used to treat snake bites and scorpion stings.
Light Requirements
Commiphora schimperi requires full to partial sun exposure for optimal growth. It is often found in semi-arid regions with high light availability. When grown indoors, it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight or artificial light per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to hot and dry climates, and it thrives in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. It can tolerate brief periods of extreme heat, but it requires protection from frost and cold temperatures. Temperatures below 10°C can cause damage to the plant, and prolonged exposure to such temperatures can be fatal.
Soil Requirements
Commiphora schimperi prefers well-draining, sandy or rocky soils with low nutrient content. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate drought conditions and has adapted to survive in soils with low water availability. Therefore, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal infections.
Cultivation Methods of Commiphora schimperi
Commiphora schimperi is a hardy plant that grows well in hot, semi-arid regions with well-draining soil. It is often propagated by seed, though stem cuttings can also be used. The plant prefers full sun exposure and is tolerant of drought.
Watering Needs of Commiphora schimperi
While Commiphora schimperi can survive droughts, it still requires periodic watering to thrive. During the plant’s growing season, watering should be done at least once a week, ensuring that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged. In winter, water should be reduced to once a month to avoid root rot.
Fertilization of Commiphora schimperi
Commiphora schimperi thrives in nutrient-poor environments and does not require frequent fertilization. If desired, a small amount of slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be added to the soil once a year in the spring.
Pruning of Commiphora schimperi
Commiphora schimperi requires minimal pruning. When pruning is necessary, it’s best to do it in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. The plant can be lightly pruned to remove dead or damaged branches, or to control its size and shape.
Propagation of Commiphora schimperi (O.Berg) Engl.
Commiphora schimperi (O.Berg) Engl. can be propagated by various methods. The two main methods are propagation through seeds and vegetative propagation.
Propagation through seeds
Propagation through seeds is an effective method of propagating Commiphora schimperi (O.Berg) Engl. Seeds should be collected from a healthy parent plant during the fruiting season. The collected seeds should be cleaned and dried in the shade. The dried seeds should be kept in a cool and dry place until sowing time. The best time to sow seeds is at the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds should be sown in well-prepared soil that is free from weeds and pests. A spacing of 3 meters between plants is recommended. The seeds should be watered regularly until germination occurs.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Commiphora schimperi (O.Berg) Engl. This method involves the use of cuttings, grafting, and layering.
Cuttings: Cuttings should be taken from healthy parent plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be 15-20 cm in length and should be planted in well-prepared soil. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings develop roots.
Grafting: Grafting is an effective method of propagating Commiphora schimperi (O.Berg) Engl. The most suitable time to graft is during the growing season. The seedling used for grafting should be vigorous and healthy. A scion should be taken from the parent plant and grafted on to the seedling using a sharp knife.
Layering: Layering is a simple method of propagating Commiphora schimperi (O.Berg) Engl. This method involves bending a branch or stem of the parent plant to the ground and covering it with soil. The covered part of the branch will develop roots. After rooting, the branch can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a new location.
Disease Management
Commiphora schimperi is highly susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections that lead to devastating consequences if not managed efficiently. The most common diseases include:
- Bacterial Leaf Spot: characterized by small, water-soaked spots on the leaves that develop into brown lesions with yellow margins. The disease is caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris pv. communis and can be managed by avoiding overhead watering and applying copper-based bactericides.
- Fusarium Wilt: caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum, this disease results in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting of the entire plant. Destroying the affected plant and using pathogen-free soil helps manage the disease.
- Anthracnose: characterized by the appearance of black, sunken lesions on the leaves, fruits, and stems, this disease is caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. To limit the spread of the disease, the affected plant parts should be pruned and treated with fungicides.
Pest Management
Commiphora schimperi is also vulnerable to pest attacks that lead to significant damage to leaves, branches, and fruits. Below are some of the most common pests that are known to infect the plant:
- Spider Mites: these tiny pests cause yellowing of leaves and the presence of silky webs on the plant. They can be controlled by using predatory mites or insecticidal soap.
- Stem Borers: the larvae of the beetle Tetraophaea aethiopica cause significant damage by boring tunnels into the stem. Prevention is key and can be achieved by removing infested plant parts.
- Scale Insects: these insects attach themselves to the stem of the plant and suck sap, leading to the formation of yellow spots on leaves and stunted growth. They can be managed by using natural predators like ladybugs or applying insecticidal soap.
