Origin and Common Names
Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek, commonly known as African strychnos, is a plant species belonging to the Strychnaceae family. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sudan. The plant prefers to grow in tropical and subtropical climates, making it commonly found in rainforests and savannah woodlands.
Uses
Traditionally, various parts of the African strychnos have been used for medicinal purposes in different African tribes. The bark, leaves, and roots have been used to treat a range of ailments, from fever and malaria to toothaches and snake bites. The plant is known for its bitter, astringent taste and is considered one of the most useful medicinal plants in Africa.
Besides their medicinal properties, the seeds of the African strychnos are used in certain African cultures for divination purposes, sometimes referred to as "poison ordeal" or "trial by ordeal." The seeds are given to a suspect who must swallow and then vomit them. The level of vomiting and the color of their vomit is believed to determine their guilt or innocence.
General Appearance
The African strychnos is a small to medium-sized tree, usually growing up to 20 meters in height. The tree has a smooth, greyish bark, and twigs that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a leathery texture. They are about 10 cm long and 5 cm wide, with a prominent midrib and a pointed shape at the end. The flowers are small and white, arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a round, yellow berry about 2 cm in diameter, containing several hard, bean-shaped seeds.
The African strychnos is an evergreen tree that provides shade, shelter, and food for animals, including birds and primates. Although the plant has a wide variety of uses, it is important to note that the seeds and other parts of the plant can be poisonous if ingested in large amounts.
Light Requirements
Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek thrives in areas with bright sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to remain healthy and grow. If planted indoors, the plant should be placed near a window with plenty of natural light or under grow lights.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost or freeze. It grows best in temperatures between 20°C - 35°C (68°F - 95°F). Although the plant can withstand high temperatures, it requires moderate humidity levels to prevent its leaves from drying out. When the plant is grown indoors, it requires a stable temperature of 21°C - 26°C (70°F - 80°F).
Soil Requirements
Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek requires fertile, well-draining soil with pH levels ranging from 6.0 - 7.5. The soil must be rich in organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, for optimal growth. The plant prefers a slightly moist soil that allows good drainage. It is also important to avoid waterlogging the soil, as this can lead to root rot and destroying the plant.
Cultivation of Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek
Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek is a tropical plant that requires a warm and humid environment to thrive. The plant can be grown in pots or in the ground and requires well-draining soil, high humidity levels, and warm temperatures. It is important to provide the plant with the appropriate growing conditions to ensure its proper growth and development.
Watering Needs of Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek
The watering needs of Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek depend on several factors, including the humidity level, temperature, and soil type. The plant prefers to be kept moist but not overly wet, and its soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch, and avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek
Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, and avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to leaf burn or other damage.
Pruning Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek
Pruning Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek should be done regularly to remove dead or damaged leaves and promote bushier growth. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts and avoid tearing the plant's tissue. It is best to prune the plant during its active growing season, which is typically in spring or summer, to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek
Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek is primarily propagated from seeds. However, there are other methods of propagation that can be explored.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek are collected from the plant when they turn brown and start falling off on their own. These seeds are then cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until required. The best time for sowing is in spring. The seeds are sown in well-drained soil, in pots or seed trays, and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and the pots or trays should be kept in a shady position until the seeds germinate. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, but can take longer.
Vegetative propagation
Although not commonly done, Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek can also be propagated vegetatively. This can be done through root cuttings or stem cuttings. For root cuttings, the roots are dug up and cut into sections, each of which is planted in a pot of well-drained soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and the pots should be kept in a shady position until the roots have established themselves. For stem cuttings, a cutting of about 10cm in length is taken from a healthy plant, and the leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed. The cutting is then planted in a pot of well-drained soil, and kept in a shady position until it has established itself.
Propagation of Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek is not difficult, but it does require some patience and care to ensure success.
Disease and Pest Management for Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek
Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek is relatively resistant to most diseases and pests. However, some diseases and pests may still affect the plant, and it is essential to manage them promptly to avoid severe damage.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek is leaf rust. This disease manifests itself as yellowish-orange powdery spots on the leaves, and it can result in the defoliation of the plant. To manage this disease, farmers and gardeners should ensure they remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Use of copper fungicides can also reduce the severity of this disease.
Another disease that can attack Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek is root rot. This disease is caused by fungi, and it manifests itself as softening and darkening of the roots. It can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth of the plant. To manage this disease, farmers should ensure they avoid overwatering their plants, use well-draining soil, and maintain favorable soil drainage conditions.
Common Pests
Spider mites and aphids are the two common pests that can affect Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant leaves, causing them to look yellowish and stunted. Aphids, on the other hand, form colonies on the plant stems and leaves, sucking plant sap and causing the plant to wilt and yellow.
To manage these pests, farmers and gardeners should ensure they inspect their plants often and remove the infected parts. They can also use insecticidal soaps and oils to coat the pests and suffocate them. Introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can also help reduce the pest populations.
It is crucial to maintain proper sanitation practices, including removing plant debris, maintaining healthy soil, and avoiding overcrowding plants. By doing so, you create unfavorable conditions for pests and diseases, hence maintaining healthy Ochthocosmus africanus Hook.f. var. puberulus R.Wilczek.
