Shuteria africana Hook.f. Overview
Shuteria africana Hook.f., commonly referred to as the Ghanaian quinine or Ghana quinine, is a plant species in the Rubiaceae family which is endemic to tropical Africa.
Common Names
Besides Ghanaian quinine or Ghana quinine, Shuteria africana is also commonly known as Yellow quinine, African yellow quinine, and Bitter root.
Appearance
Shuteria africana Hook.f. grows up to 1-2 meters in height. The plant has a thick, fleshy and woody stem, and the leaves are opposite, ovate to elliptic, and about 5-21cm long and 2-11 cm wide. The flowers of the plant are yellow and appear in clusters at the axils of the leaves. The plant produces small, fleshy, and spherical fruits that are approximately 6-8mm in diameter.
Uses
Shuteria africana Hook.f. has been used for various medicinal purposes by the indigenous people of Africa for a long time. The roots of the plant contain alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, which possess antimalarial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, and antibacterial properties. The roots of the plant are used in the treatment of malaria, fever, jaundice, diarrhea, and as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments.
In African traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat fever, headache, and to enhance wound healing. Additionally, the plant has also been used to induce abortions and is also used as a poison in some African communities.
Besides its medicinal uses, the plant also has other valuable uses. Shuteria africana roots are used to make yellow dye, and the plant has also been used as a natural pesticide.
Light Requirements
Shuteria africana Hook.f. thrives well in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some exposure to direct sunlight but not for extended hours. It is ideal to place the plant near an east-facing window, where it can receive morning sunlight. Avoid placing it in an area with low light conditions, as this may affect its growth and overall health.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 18°C to 30°C. It should be protected from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes as they can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Shuteria africana Hook.f. requires well-draining, porous soil to enable proper drainage. It thrives well in soil that is moist and rich in organic matter. A soil mixture containing a blend of peat moss, perlite and sand can be ideal for this plant. The pH range of the soil should be between 6.5 and 7.5.
Cultivation Methods
Shuteria africana Hook.f. is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and public spaces. Its cultivation is easy and can be done by propagation from seeds or stem cuttings. The plant prefers well-drained soils and partial shading. For propagation from seeds, they should be sown in a well-prepared soil bed and covered lightly with sand. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged during the germination period. It takes about 3 months for the seedlings to be large enough for transplanting. Propagation from stem cuttings should be done during the rainy season. The stem cuttings should be about 20cm long and should be planted in a well-prepared soil bed. The soil should be kept moist to facilitate rooting.Watering Needs
Shuteria africana Hook.f. requires moderate watering during the dry season and heavy watering during the rainy season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. It is best to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent water loss through evaporation.Fertilization
Fertilizers can be applied to Shuteria africana Hook.f. plants to enhance growth and flowering. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure are preferred, as they improve soil structure and fertility. Chemical fertilizers can also be used, but care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as this may harm the plant. Fertilizers should be applied twice a year, during the rainy season and at the beginning of the dry season. The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the plant and watered in thoroughly.Pruning
Pruning of Shuteria africana Hook.f. is mainly done to shape the plant and remove dead or diseased branches. Branches can be pruned throughout the year whenever necessary. For optimal growth and flowering, pruning should be done at the end of the dry season or the beginning of the rainy season. This helps to stimulate new growth and produce more flowers. Avoid over-pruning as this may weaken the plant and reduce its vigor.Propagation of Shuteria africana Hook.f.
Shuteria africana Hook.f. is commonly grown through seed propagation. However, propagation using vegetative parts such as stem cuttings and suckers has been observed to be successful.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Shuteria africana Hook.f. are matured in pods that are harvested when they turn brown. The pods should be left to dry in a well-aerated room before they are opened to extract the seeds. After extraction, the seeds should be sun-dried to get rid of any remaining moisture.
Scarification of the seeds is recommended for faster and more even germination. This can be done by either soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours or making a small nick using a sharp blade on the seed coat. After scarification, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist at temperatures between 22°C to 28°C. Germination should occur within four to six weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Stem cuttings and suckers can be used for vegetative propagation of Shuteria africana Hook.f. Both can be taken during the wet season when growth is most active.
Stem cuttings should be at least 10cm in length and should be treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining rooting medium. Keeping the cuttings under high humidity is recommended, and they should take root in about three to four weeks.
Suckers, on the other hand, should be separated from the mother plant using a sharp, clean knife, ensuring that each has some roots attached. They can then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they are established.
Overall, both seed and vegetative propagation methods have proved successful for Shuteria africana Hook.f. growers. It is important to note, however, that seed propagation is the preferred method for large-scale propagation as it ensures genetic diversity in offspring plants.
Disease Management for Shuteria africana Hook.f. plant
Shuteria africana Hook.f. is highly resistant to diseases. However, fungal pathogens such as rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot may still infect the plant. Improved plant hygiene and cultural practices are effective ways of managing these diseases.
Remove and dispose of any infected plant debris and maintain adequate plant spacing to reduce humidity and promote good air circulation. Furthermore, use of appropriate fungicides is helpful in managing fungal infections. Always ensure to read and follow the label instructions when applying fungicides.
Pest Management for Shuteria africana Hook.f. plant
Shuteria africana Hook.f. plant can be affected by pests such as scales, aphids, and spider mites. These pests can weaken the plant by piercing and sucking sap from the leaves.
Regular monitoring of the plants is essential to detect pests early and avoid heavy infestations. The use of sticky traps and regular washing of the plants with water can help control pests.
Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can also be used to manage pests. However, always read and follow the label instructions to avoid injuring the plant or contaminating the environment.
In conclusion, regular monitoring of Shuteria africana Hook.f. plant and adoption of proper cultural practices can help prevent disease and pest infestation. Early detection and management of any infestation is essential for the plant's health and longevity.
