Commiphora trollii Mattick: A Brief Overview
Commiphora trollii Mattick is a rare species of flowering plant belonging to the Burseraceae family. It is commonly known as Troll's frankincense or Devil's frankincense and is native to the arid regions of the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia and Ethiopia.
Description of Commiphora trollii Mattick
The plant is a small tree or shrub that typically grows up to 3 meters in height. It has a sparse and twisted branching structure with a rough, scaly bark that is gray or brown in color. The leaves are small, simple, and oval-shaped with a slightly pointed tip. The flowers are yellowish-green and grow in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit is a small, rounded berry that turns red when ripe.
Uses of Commiphora trollii Mattick
Commiphora trollii Mattick is widely used in traditional medicine due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The resin is used to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, pneumonia, and bronchitis. In addition, the resin is also used to make incense and perfumes due to its unique, pleasant odor.
The wood of the plant is strong and durable and is used to make walking sticks and other household items. The plant is also commonly used in reforestation programs to combat desertification in the Horn of Africa.
Conservation Status of Commiphora trollii Mattick
Commiphora trollii Mattick is listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, over-harvesting, and climate change. Efforts are being made to conserve the plant by promoting sustainable harvesting and cultivation practices, as well as enhancing its protection in the wild.
Growth Conditions for Commiphora trollii Mattick
Commiphora trollii Mattick is a small tree species that is native to Somalia. To help it grow and flourish, it is important to provide it with the right growing conditions.
Light
This species prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It is important to provide the plant with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. If the plant is grown indoors, consider using artificial lighting to replicate natural sunlight.
Temperature
Commiphora trollii Mattick tends to do well in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It is well adapted to hot and dry conditions, but can also tolerate mild winter temperatures. Temperatures below 10°C for prolonged periods can damage the plant.
Soil
The ideal soil for Commiphora trollii Mattick is well-draining soil with a pH of 7-8. Sandy and loamy soils with good drainage are suitable for this plant. It is important to avoid poorly drained soils, as these can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
It is recommended that organic matter be added to the soil to increase its fertility and water-holding capacity. Commiphora trollii Mattick is adapted to grow in arid regions and, therefore, does not require frequent watering. However, during the dry season, regular watering is necessary to help the roots survive.
By providing the right growing conditions for Commiphora trollii Mattick, you can help it grow and thrive, producing its characteristic fragrant resin and enhancing the beauty of your garden or landscape.
Cultivation Methods
Commiphora trollii Mattick, also known as Troll's incense, is a slow-growing succulent plant that requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to grow. It can be cultivated in pots or in gardens, but it is essential to avoid overwatering, especially during the winter months, as it can lead to root rot.
To ensure proper growth, plant Commiphora trollii Mattick in sandy, well-draining soil mixtures with a pH range between 6 to 7. Make sure to use pots with drainage holes and avoid placing them in waterlogged areas that can retain water for an extended period.
Watering Needs
The watering needs for Commiphora trollii Mattick vary with the season and the weather conditions. During hot summers, the plant requires more frequent watering than in winter when the soil should be kept dry. It is advisable to water the plant once a week in the growing season, and less often during the dormant period.
When watering Commiphora trollii Mattick, it is best to use tepid water to avoid sudden changes in temperature that can harm the roots. It is also essential to water the soil around the plants rather than pouring the water directly on the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Commiphora trollii Mattick is a slow-growing plant that doesn't require frequent fertilization. It is advisable to feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, preferably once a month. However, avoid feeding the plant too much as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and weaken the plant's structure.
Organic fertilizers like compost, manure, and bone meal can also help to improve soil fertility, but they should be used with caution and in small amounts to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Commiphora trollii Mattick rarely requires pruning, but it is essential to remove dead or diseased branches as soon as they appear. To avoid damage to the plant's structure, use a sharp, sterilized pruner to make clean cuts just above the bud.
If the plant starts to outgrow its pot or garden space, transplant it into a larger container or another site in the garden. Note that transplanting can be stressful to the plant, so it is advisable to do it during the dormant season and avoid overwatering after the transplant.
Propagation of Commiphora trollii Mattick
Propagation of Commiphora trollii Mattick mainly involves the use of seeds. The following are the propagation methods used to grow this plant:
Seed Propagation
To propagate Commiphora trollii Mattick using seeds, you will need fresh seeds. To get the seeds, collect the fruit from the plant and remove the pulp. After cleaning the seeds, place them in a container of warm water and leave them overnight. The next day, remove them from the water and dry them. Then, sow them in well-drained soil in a pot or directly in the ground. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. This method works perfectly, and germination should occur within two to six weeks.
Grafting
Commiphora trollii Mattick can be propagated using the grafting method, but it is rarely used. It involves joining the Commiphora trollii Mattick scion with the rootstock of another species of Commiphora. This method is not commonly used, as it is more complicated and requires more skill and knowledge than seed propagation.
Cuttings
The cutting method is also not commonly used for the propagation of Commiphora trollii Mattick. It is because the rate of survival from cuttings is minimal. However, if you want to propagate Commiphora trollii Mattick using cuttings, take hardwood cuttings during the dormant season and treat them with a rooting hormone. Plant them in a well-drained soil mix, and keep them moist.
Overall, using the seed propagation method is the easiest and most effective way to propagate Commiphora trollii Mattick.
Disease Management for Commiphora trollii Mattick
Commiphora trollii Mattick is generally a hardy plant with no significant disease problems. However, if grown in overly moist soil, it can be susceptible to root rot. Root rot is caused by fungi and bacteria that breed in the damp soil and attack the plant's roots, causing them to decay and die, leading to the eventual collapse of the entire plant. The best way to manage root rot disease is to ensure well-draining soil, infrequent watering, and good air circulation around the plant roots.
Another disease that is common in Commiphora trollii Mattick is fungal leaf spots. These are caused by several species of fungi that thrive in humid environments. Symptoms include small, circular, tan or brown spots on the leaves, which can merge together, forming large irregular patches. Management of fungal leaf spots can be achieved by removing and destroying infected leaves when they appear, avoiding overhead watering, and maintaining good air circulation around the plant foliage.
Pest Management for Commiphora trollii Mattick
Commiphora trollii Mattick is not a commonly attacked plant by pests. However, occasionally, these plants can be infested with scale insects. Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant to feed on the sap. An infestation of scale insects can stunt plant growth, reduce the number of leaves, and cause leaf yellowing or dropping. The best way to manage a scale infestation is by handpicking and crushing the scales or using horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to control them.
Caterpillars are also known to occasionally feed on the foliage of Commiphora trollii Mattick plants. They tend to favor the younger leaves, and their feeding can cause leaf defoliation and discoloration. To manage caterpillar infestations, a manual pick off may be used, or insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be applied to control them effectively.
