Overview
Commiphora spathulifoliolata Engl. is a plant species that belongs to the genus Commiphora, family Burseraceae. This plant is native to Somalia and grows in dry woodlands and savannas.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Hargeisa and the Arabic name is Haji shugul.
Appearance
Commiphora spathulifoliolata is a small, multi-stemmed, and thorny shrub that grows up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are succulent, leathery, and lanceolate, growing up to 7 cm long and 3 cm wide. The plant's bark is light gray, and the branches have small spines. The plant exudes fragrant gum resin when injured or cut.
Uses
Commiphora spathulifoliolata is widely used for its medicinal properties, which include treating fever, respiratory infections, and inflammation. The plant's resin is used as incense and is also burned to repel insects. The gum resin has properties that can be utilized in the flavor and fragrance industries. The plant's wood is used for fuel and making small household items such as spoons and bowls.
Light Requirements
The plant Commiphora spathulifoliolata Engl. requires direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day to grow and thrive. It is best to place it in a location where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Lack of sufficient light can lead to poor growth and susceptibility to diseases.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Commiphora spathulifoliolata is between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate high temperatures up to 40°C, but not below 5°C. During winter, it is best to bring the plant indoors or cover it with a protective cloth to prevent frost damage. Extreme temperature fluctuations can stress the plant and even cause it to die.
Soil Requirements
Commiphora spathulifoliolata prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 7 to 8. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soil but not acidic soil. The soil mixture should consist of organic material such as compost, peat moss, and perlite to increase the soil's porosity. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to loamy soil. However, it should not be planted in heavy clay soil as it can obstruct proper drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Commiphora spathulifoliolata Engl. grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It can thrive in sandy, loamy, or rocky soils with good drainage. The plant can tolerate a pH range of 6.0-8.0, but a pH of 7.0-8.0 is preferable. It is recommended to plant the seedlings in an open, sunny area, where the plant can receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. The spacing of the seedlings should be at least 2 meters apart to allow sufficient growth space.
Watering Needs
Commiphora spathulifoliolata Engl. requires moderate watering with an average of 3-4 liters of water per plant per day. The watering frequency may vary depending on the season, soil type, and plant growth. During the rainy season, it may not require additional watering, but in the dry season, it needs frequent irrigation to maintain soil moisture. It is essential to avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
Commiphora spathulifoliolata Engl. responds well to slow-release fertilizers, which release nutrients over an extended period. It is recommended to apply 50-60 g of slow-release fertilizer per plant per year. The application should be done during the early rainy season to enhance the plant's growth and development. Additionally, applying compost or organic matter around the plant's base may help maintain soil fertility and improve plant growth.
Pruning
Commiphora spathulifoliolata Engl. requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove diseased, dead, or damaged branches. It is essential to use sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of plant diseases. The ideal time for pruning is during the early rainy season, when the plant can recover quickly from the pruning cuts. However, excessive pruning may lead to stunted growth and reduced yield.
Propagation of Commiphora spathulifoliolata Engl.
Commiphora spathulifoliolata Engl. is traditionally propagated through seeds and cuttings. However, the success rate of propagation through cuttings is significantly low, hence, seeds are the preferred method.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Commiphora spathulifoliolata Engl. can be collected during the fruiting season. The fruit pods turn brown when mature, and the seeds are released when the pods split open. Gather the seeds before they get dispersed by the wind.
Before planting, scarifying or nicking the seed coat is recommended to break seed dormancy. This ensures quicker germination. Treatment of seeds with growth regulators or smoke is also effective.
Plant the seeds in a well-draining mix in a pot or directly in the ground. Optimal temperature for germination is between 20°C and 30°C. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
In about two weeks, the seedlings will emerge. These can be transplanted to individual pots or planted in their permanent location once they reach a height of 10 to 15 cm.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation through cuttings involves taking plant material from mature stems. The cuttings should be around 10 cm in length with several leaves intact.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining rooting medium, and keep them in a mist chamber or covered with a plastic bag to increase humidity.
Keep the rooting medium moist and avoid direct sun exposure. The cuttings will start producing roots in about two to three months.
Carefully transplant the rooted cuttings to individual pots or their permanent location. However, this method of propagation is less successful than seed propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Commiphora spathulifoliolata Engl.
Commiphora spathulifoliolata Engl. is generally a hardy plant and is not susceptible to many diseases and pests. However, here are some of the common problems which might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot Disease
The leaf spot disease caused by the fungus Cercospora sp. is a common problem which affects the leaves of Commiphora spathulifoliolata. Symptoms include brown spots on the leaves which might turn yellow and fall off. You can manage the disease by removing and destroying the affected leaves and ensuring the plant is kept dry to avoid moist conditions which the fungus thrives in. For severe cases, you can use a systemic fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Twig Blight
The fungus Phytophthora sp. causes twig blight in Commiphora spathulifoliolata. Symptoms include wilting of new shoots and blackening of the stem at the base of the shoot. To manage the disease, promptly remove and destroy the infected plant residue. Avoid over-watering and overcrowding plants since the fungus thrives in moist conditions. For severe cases, apply a recommended fungicide.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are commonly found on Commiphora spathulifoliolata and are identified as little bumps on the leaves or stems of the plant. These pests suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and fall off. You can manage the infestation by pruning and completely removing affected plant parts. Additionally, you can wipe off the scales using a wet cloth or get rid of the infestation using a commercially available insecticide.
Spider Mites
Spider mites commonly affect Commiphora spathulifoliolata. These pests are too small to be seen by the naked eye and appear as webbing on the leaves of the plant. Symptoms include yellowing and drooping of leaves. A preventive measure for spider mite infestation is regular misting of the leaves with water. In case of an infestation, you can control it by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
In conclusion, understanding the common diseases and pests which might affect Commiphora spathulifoliolata can help you take necessary measures to keep the plant healthy and productive. Regular inspection, diagnosing problems early and timely action can help prevent damage to the plant.
