Origin
Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel, commonly known as Tibetan Myrtle, is a plant species that is native to the mountainous regions of Eastern Morocco and Western Algeria.
Common Names
Tibetan Myrtle is a regional name for this plant in Morocco, although in Algeria it is known as "Myrte de Tibesti" or "Myrte de façon générale".
Uses
Tibetan Myrtle has been traditionally used in Moroccan folk medicine for its aromatic and medicinal properties. The leaves and bark of the plant are used to treat respiratory, digestive, and urinary tract disorders. Additionally, Tibetan Myrtle is also used as a culinary herb, and its leaves are used in the preparation of tea and as a flavoring for lamb and chicken dishes.
General Appearance
Tibetan Myrtle is a small shrub with dark green, glossy leaves that are lance-shaped and approximately 2 to 4 cm long. The plant produces small, fragrant white flowers in the summer months, which are followed by purplish-black berries that are approximately 1 cm in diameter. The bark of the plant is grayish-brown and smooth when young but becomes rough and scaly with age.
Light Requirements
The species Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel prefers to grow in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day to maintain its growth. If provided with inadequate sunlight, the plant may become leggy and may not produce flowers or seeds.
Temperature Requirements
The subspecies Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel prefers warm temperatures and grows best in daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). Nighttime temperatures should not fall below 10°C (50°F), as lower temperatures can damage the plant. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 0°C (32°F) can cause frost damage and ultimately result in death.
Soil Requirements
The plant Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter to encourage fast growth and have good water holding capacity to prevent the soil from becoming too dry. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy loam, loamy sand, and rocky soils.
Cultivation Methods
When cultivating Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel, it is essential to ensure that it is planted in a well-draining soil. The plant thrives best in partially shady or sunny areas. The ideal temperature range for this species is between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius. The plant is drought tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall.Watering Needs
Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It is recommended that the plant be watered thrice a week. Ensure that the top layer of soil is moist before watering. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.Fertilization
To enhance the growth and health of Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel, fertilization is necessary. Use a fertilizer with high phosphorous content during the growing season to encourage flowering and fruiting. Apply the fertilizer once every two weeks.Pruning
Pruning Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel is essential to control its size. Prune the plant during the dormant season before the onset of new growth. Remove dead or diseased branches and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant's foliage in one session to prevent stress.Propagation of Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel
Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel is a plant that can be propagated by using different techniques. The propagation methods include :
Seed propagation
The plant can be propagated by seed, which should be collected from the plant when they are ripe. The seeds need to be stratified, which means they should be kept in the refrigerator for a few weeks to simulate winter-like conditions. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in a seedbed, where they will germinate in a few weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can be taken from the plant in the summer. They need to be around 10 cm in length, and the leaves on the lower part of the stem should be removed. The cutting should be dipped into rooting hormone and planted in a soilless mix. Keep the mix moist, and the cutting should root within a few weeks.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is a propagation method used for many plants including Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel. The plant can be propagated by grafting onto an existing rootstock. The rootstock should be a related species or a rootstock that's compatible with Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel. The grafting should be done in the spring when the plant is actively growing.
Disease Management
The Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by several fungal pathogens. The infected plants have dark brown spots that appear on the leaves, and with time, the leaves start to wilt and fall off. To manage this disease, prune all the infected leaves, and apply a fungicide recommended for Myrtus species.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by waterlogging the roots of the plant. The infected plant shows wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stem rot. The best way to manage this disease is to avoid waterlogging the soil and planting the shrub in well-drained soil. If the plant is already infected, uproot it and replant it in healthy soil.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. The infected plant has a white, powdery fungal growth on its leaves and stems, and the infected leaves may curl up and die. To manage this disease, prune the infected parts and apply a fungicide recommended for powdery mildew.
Pest Management
The Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. subsp. tibesticus Quézel is not very susceptible to pests. However, here are a few pests that may affect the plant:
- Spider Mites: These pests are very tiny and feed on the underside of leaves, resulting in a yellowing of the leaves. To manage these pests, prune the infected parts and spray the plant with an insecticide recommended for spider mites.
- Scale Insects: These pests are small, oval, and brownish in color. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage these pests, prune the infected parts and spray the plant with an insecticide recommended for scale insects.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves, resulting in a lot of damage to the plant. To manage these pests, prune the infected parts, and spray the plant with insecticide recommended for caterpillars.
