Overview
Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro is a plant species belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. It is commonly known as African mastic tree, Ethiopian mastic, or Terebinth. This plant is native to Ethiopia, where it grows in dry woodlands, rocky slopes, and grasslands.
Appearance
The African mastic tree is a small tree or shrub, which can grow up to 8 meters tall. It has a twisted, gnarled trunk and branches with smooth gray bark. The leaves are dark green, pinnately compound, and leathery. They consist of 2 to 6 pairs of leaflets, each measuring 2-4 cm in length. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, greenish-yellow in color, and appear in dense clusters. The fruit is a small, round, reddish-brown drupe, which is covered by a fleshy, edible aril.
Uses
The African mastic tree is widely used for medicinal and culinary purposes in Ethiopia. The resin obtained from the bark is used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach problems. The leaves and fruits are used in traditional medicine to treat toothache, wounds, and respiratory infections. The fruit pulp is edible and is used to make a sweet and sour drink. The oily seeds are also edible and can be roasted or ground into a paste to make a nutritious spread. The wood is used for fuel, fencing, and carving.
In addition to its practical uses, the African mastic tree is also highly valued for its cultural significance. It has religious and cultural significance for many Ethiopian communities and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals.
Light Requirements
Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro is a plant that requires full sunlight to thrive. It is best to place the plant in an area where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light may cause the plant to have stunted growth and produce fewer leaves and branches.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can withstand a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers a temperature range of 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Frost or extremely low temperatures may cause the plant to suffer and wilt. It is essential to ensure that the plant's location is suitable for its preferred temperature range.
Soil Requirements
Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro grows well in well-draining soils. The soil should be rich in nutrients, with a pH range of 6.1 to 7.8. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil, and overwatering may cause root rot, which can lead to severe damage or even death of the plant. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro is a small tree commonly grown for its ornamental attraction and tasty edible fruits. The plant thrives in a warm climate with moderate humidity and well-draining soil. If you intend to cultivate Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro, plant it during the rainy season as the tree requires sufficient water to establish roots.
The ideal planting distance for Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro should be about six meters apart. Top up the soil with manure and compost and dig about a meter deep to create enough space for the root ball of the tree. After planting, water the tree thoroughly to set it firmly into the soil.
Watering Needs
The best watering regimen for Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro is a moist one, especially during hot and dry weather seasons. Young trees require frequent watering, preferably once or twice a week, until they establish deep sufficient roots. Mature trees, on the other hand, only need supplemental watering during extended dry periods.
It's crucial to note that water stress can cause the tree's leaves to wither, fall off prematurely, and hinder fruit formation. Also, avoid overwatering, as this may cause root rot and eventual death of the tree.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization helps to ensure Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro grows vigorously, flowers and fruits profusely. Incorporating compost manure annual during planting to enrich the soil's nutrient content is an excellent starting point. However, after the tree's first year, apply a balanced 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer at four to eight-week intervals during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro doesn't just keep the tree's height in check, but it also encourages the growth of fresh foliage and extends the tree's lifespan. Pruning should be done during the tree's dormancy period, before the onset of new growth in early spring. Dead branches, damaged wood, and branches that cross or rub against each other should be removed to eliminate disease and pest spread.
If you desire to shape the tree to a specific form, prune the tree in a way that all of its branches have access to sunlight. Remember, Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro produces flowers and fruits on new wood, so avoid over-pruning to enjoy its bounty fully.
Propagation methods of Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro
Propagation of Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro can be done by both vegetative and seed propagation methods. Here is a detailed explanation of each method:
Vegetative propagation
One of the most common vegetative propagation methods used for Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a healthy and mature plant, and planting it in a well-draining rooting medium. The cutting should be at least 5 inches long and should be taken during the spring season when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and humid environment until it establishes roots.
Another method of vegetative propagation is through air layering. This method involves making a small cut into a branch of the plant and applying a rooting hormone to the cut. The cut is then covered with a moist substrate, such as sphagnum moss, and wrapped with plastic to create a humid environment. The roots will develop within the substrate, and the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted once the roots are well established.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is another method used to propagate Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro. The seed should be fresh and collected from a healthy and mature plant during the autumn season. The seed should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination rates. The seed should be planted in a well-draining potting medium and kept in a warm and humid environment until it germinates. The seedling should be given bright, filtered sunlight and kept moist but not waterlogged.
It is worth noting that Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro takes several years to reach maturity and produce fruit. Therefore, it is advisable to propagate the plant through vegetative propagation to ensure that the propagated plant has similar genetic and fruiting characteristics to the parent plant.
Disease Management
The plant Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro is generally healthy, but it can be affected by certain diseases. One of the common diseases that may affect the plant is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by fungi that attack the leaves and stems of the plant. It appears as white or grayish patches on the surface of the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overcrowding the plants, keep the foliage dry, and prune any affected parts of the plant. If needed, fungicides can be used as a last resort, but it should be done in consultation with experts.
Another disease that may affect the plant is root rot. This disease is caused by fungi that infect the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. The best way to manage this disease is to avoid overwatering the plant and to make sure that the soil is well-draining. In severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the affected plant from the soil and replace it with a new one.
Pest Management
Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro may also attract pests. One of the most common pests that may be attracted to the plant is the pistachio twig borer. This pest is a small moth that lays its eggs on the twigs of the plant. The larvae then burrow into the twigs, causing them to become brittle and break. To manage this pest, it is important to prune any affected parts of the plant and to use insecticides if necessary.
Another pest that may affect the plant is the sap-sucking scale. Scale insects are small, round insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and become discolored. To manage this pest, it is important to remove any affected parts of the plant and to use insecticides if necessary.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of disease or pest infestations. Early intervention can prevent the problem from spreading and potentially damaging the entire plant or garden. It is also important to follow the appropriate cultural practices that can help reduce the likelihood of disease or pest problems in the future.
