Commiphora taborensis Engl.
Commiphora taborensis Engl., also known as the Tabora frankincense, is a small tree or shrub in the family Burseraceae that is native to Tanzania, Kenya, and Somalia. The plant is commonly found in the dry and sandy savanna regions of East Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Tabora frankincense, Dili-dili, Gumbi, or Gumdrop among the native people of East Africa. The Swahili speaking people commonly refer to the plant as Mgagazi or Msaji.
Appearance
The Tabora frankincense is a small, evergreen tree that can reach up to six meters in height. The plant’s bark is grayish-brown and rough, while the leaves are simple and alternate, with a length of about five centimeters. The plant produces small green-yellow flowers that grow in clusters and are followed by small fleshy fruits that turn red when ripe.
Uses
Commiphora taborensis is known for its unique and valuable resin, which has been traditionally used as incense, perfume, and medicine. The plant’s resin, commonly known as frankincense, is obtained by making incisions into the bark of the trees and allowing the sap to flow out and dry. The resin is then collected and used for various purposes, including religious ceremonies, aromatherapy, and as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as respiratory problems, inflammation, and wound healing.
Additionally, the plant’s leaves and barks are widely used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, coughs, colds, and fever, while the plant’s wood is used for various purposes such as making furniture, tools, and fuel. The Tabora frankincense is also grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and delicate flowers.
Light Requirements
Commiphora taborensis Engl. requires full sun exposure to promote healthy growth. It is essential to place the plant in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Inadequate exposure to sunlight can result in weak stems and poor development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 10°C to 40°C. However, the ideal temperature range lies between 20°C to 30°C. Extremely low temperatures can cause leaf shedding, while high temperatures may lead to wilting, stunted growth, and leaf scorching.
Soil Requirements
Commiphora taborensis Engl. prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can withstand different types of soils, including loam, sand, and clay. However, it is essential to provide a nutrient-rich soil as the plant requires various essential minerals for healthy growth. Additionally, it is best to avoid waterlogged soils as they can lead to root saturation, root rot, and plant death.
Cultivation methods for Commiphora taborensis Engl.
Commiphora taborensis Engl. is a drought-tolerant plant species that can grow in semi-arid and arid regions.
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are sandy. It can also grow in loamy soils but not in clay soils.
It requires full sunlight to thrive, which makes it ideal for outdoor cultivation.
Watering needs for Commiphora taborensis Engl.
Like most plants, Commiphora taborensis Engl. requires water for growth.
However, it is drought-tolerant, meaning it can withstand periods of extended drought once it is established in the soil.
When the plant is young, water it once a week until it is established.
Afterward, it only needs watering when the soil is dry, which can be every two to three weeks, depending on the region's climate.
Fertilization methods for Commiphora taborensis Engl.
Commiphora taborensis Engl. does not require heavy fertilizer applications, but light feeding can enhance its growth.
The plant grows naturally in soils with low nutrients and has adapted to the local environment.
You can use organic fertilizers such as compost and cow manure in small amounts twice a year to nourish the plant.
Pruning techniques for Commiphora taborensis Engl.
Pruning is not a necessity for Commiphora taborensis Engl. as the plant grows naturally and can support its weight.
However, light pruning may be done to maintain the plant's shape or improve its appearance.
It is recommended to prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Remove any damaged or dead branches and cut off any branches that rub against each other and cause wounds.
Propagation of Commiphora Taborensis Engl.
Commiphora taborensis Engl. is traditionally propagated through seed germination. However, due to its slow growth rate and limited seed availability, other methods have been explored to propagate this plant effectively. Some of the commonly used methods for propagating Commiphora taborensis include:
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Commiphora taborensis through cutting is an effective method that involves taking a healthy stem section from a mature plant. The stem cutting should have at least two nodes and should be planted in a rooting medium. The cutting should be treated with rooting hormone to promote root growth. After about six weeks, roots should have formed and the cutting can be transplanted into the growing medium.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Commiphora taborensis. It involves wounding a stem and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss and a plastic cover. Roots should emerge from the wound area within a few weeks. The rooted layer can then be detached from the parent plant and transplanted into the growing medium.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another propagation method that involves joining a scion from a desirable plant onto a rootstock of a related plant. This technique can be used to propagate Commiphora taborensis, although it is not commonly used. Grafting is usually done during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing.
Disease and Pest Management for Commiphora taborensis Engl.
Commiphora taborensis Engl., commonly known as the African myrrh, is a plant species native to East and Central Africa. The plant has high potential for commercial use, especially in the traditional medicine and perfume industries. However, like all other plants, African myrrh is susceptible to pests and diseases that can affect its productivity and quality. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Commiphora taborensis and suggestions to manage them.
Diseases
1. Leaf blight: This is a fungal disease that causes irregular brown patches on leaves, eventually leading to defoliation. The best management practices include pruning infected leaves, removing diseased plant materials, and applying fungicides.
2. Root rot: Root rot is caused by waterlogging of soil and affects the roots, reducing the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. The best management practices include improving soil drainage and minimizing waterlogging.
Pests
1. Spider mites: These pests are tiny and cause damage by sucking the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and eventually defoliation. The best management practices include removing infested leaves, applying insecticides, and improving air circulation and humidity levels.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that appear as a cottony mass on the plant and cause damage by sucking the plant's sap. The best management practices include removing infested plant materials, applying insecticides, and pruning heavily infested areas.
Regular monitoring and early detection of pests and diseases are essential to prevent significant damage to the Commiphora taborensis Engl. plant. Always dispose of infected plant materials and avoid over-fertilizing the plant to prevent nutrient imbalance, which can attract pests and diseases. With proper care and attention, African myrrh can be a valuable crop for its various uses.
