Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov.
Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov. is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Burseraceae. It is native to East and Northeast Africa, specifically found in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti. This plant grows in rocky and gravelly soils on hillsides, among rocks, and in dry riverbeds.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as the spherical-leafed myrrh, ball-leafed myrrh, and aqallu in Ethiopia.
Uses:
The resin extracted from Commiphora sphaerophylla has been traditionally used in Ethiopia for medicinal purposes such as treating wounds, diarrhea, stomach pains, and respiratory problems. The bark has also been used to make a tonic for treating fevers. In addition, the resin is used as a perfume, and the wood is used for firewood and charcoal production.
General Appearance:
The plant is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 5 meters tall. It has a dense crown with a rounded shape and a thick trunk that is often twisted. The leaves are succulent, spherical, or ball-shaped, and they grow in clusters at the ends of the branches. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and inconspicuous. The fruit is a small drupe with a thin flesh and a hard stone.
Light Requirements
Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov. requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It is a desert plant and has adapted to bright sunlight. Without sunlight, the plant may struggle to grow and produce foliage.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate high temperatures of up to 40°C. It cannot tolerate frost, so it is not suitable for growth in cooler climates. For optimal growth, the temperature range should be between 25°C to 35°C.
Soil Requirements
Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov. prefers well-draining soils with a low nutrient content. This species can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5.
The plant is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils, so it does not require regular fertilization. In fact, excessive fertilizer application can harm the plant and cause stunted growth.
Cultivation Techniques for Commiphora Sphaerophylla Chiov.
Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov. typically grows well in tropical and subtropical climates, where the temperatures remain hot throughout the year. The plant thrives in well-drained soils and prefers sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 6 to 8. The plant is susceptible to frost, so it is essential to protect it from extreme cold temperatures.
It is best to grow the plant in full sun or partial shade. The plant can tolerate some amount of shade, but it may affect its growth. Ensure that the plant has enough space to grow since it can gradually grow up to 4 meters high.
Watering Needs for Commiphora Sphaerophylla Chiov.
Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov. is drought-resistant and can survive long periods without water. However, young plants require regular watering until they establish themselves in the soil. During the hot and dry months of the year, ensure that the plant has enough water to prevent it from drying out.
It is essential to water the plant deeply, ensuring that the water reaches the plant's root system. Avoid over-watering the plant since it can cause damage to the roots, which can lead to the death of the plant.
Fertilization for Commiphora Sphaerophylla Chiov.
Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov. requires minimal fertilizer since it can extract nutrients from the soil efficiently. However, you can apply a small amount of chemical fertilizer or organic compost to the soil in the early stages of growth to enhance its growth and development. Apply fertilizer or compost annually, ensuring that you do not over-fertilize the plant.
Pruning Commiphora Sphaerophylla Chiov.
Pruning Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov. is not necessary. However, you can prune the plant annually to control its growth and encourage bushy growth. Remove damaged or diseased branches to prevent the spread of infection to other plant parts. It is essential to sanitize your pruning tools before and after pruning to avoid spreading diseases.
When pruning the plant, ensure that you do not remove more than a third of the plant's foliage to avoid stressing it. Prune the plant during the dormant season, which is usually in winter or early spring.
Propagation of Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov.
Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov. is a small tree that is native to East Africa. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Commiphora sphaerophylla is through seed. The seeds of this plant should be extracted from the fruit when it is fully ripe. It is recommended that the seeds be sown immediately to prevent any loss of viability. The seeds should be sown at a depth of two to three times their diameter in a well-draining medium mixed with sand to improve aeration. Germination occurs in 1-3 weeks and the seedlings can be transplanted to larger pots when they have their first true leaves.
Cutting Propagation
Commiphora sphaerophylla can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take healthy, non-flowering shoots from the tree using a sharp and sterile pair of scissors or a knife. Cuttings should be taken in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat stress. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone before placing them in a well-draining media. The cuttings need to be kept in high humidity and under a shaded area. The root development process can take several months, but eventually the cuttings will sprout leaves, signaling that it has successfully rooted.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that is useful for Commiphora sphaerophylla. To do this, identify a section of the tree that is sufficiently flexible, but not too thin or too thick. A three to four-inch section of the stem is ring-barked, removing the bark from around the stem. Moist sphagnum moss is wrapped around the ring-barked area and covered with plastic wrap or foil with a few small holes to allow the growth of the roots. This enclosure should be kept moist and soil covering should not be applied until roots are clearly seen. Once roots have developed, the stem is cut below the new root ball and the air-layered plant is potted in well-draining media.
Disease and Pest Management for Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov.
Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov. is a valuable plant species with multiple medicinal properties. However, like any other plant species, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can affect its growth, yield, and quality. Effective disease and pest management are essential to ensure the health and productivity of this plant species.
Common Diseases
Some common diseases that may affect Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov. include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora commiphorae and results in spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing the affected plant parts and applying fungicides.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium solani and can lead to the death of the plant. It can be managed by improving the soil drainage and avoiding waterlogging.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum, resulting in a white powdery growth on the leaves. It can be managed by pruning affected plant parts and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Some common pests that may affect Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov. include:
- Mealybugs: These sap-sucking insects produce a white, powdery substance and can cause wilting of leaves. They can be managed by removing and destroying affected plant parts and applying insecticides.
- Caterpillars: These insects can damage the leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth. They can be managed by handpicking and removing affected plant parts and applying insecticides.
- Thrips: These insects feed on the plant cells, resulting in silvering of leaves and discoloration. They can be managed by removing and destroying affected plant parts and applying insecticides.
Overall, the disease and pest management of Commiphora sphaerophylla Chiov. involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical measures. It is important to monitor the plant for any signs of diseases or pests and take appropriate actions to prevent their spread.
