Overview of Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch.
Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. is a plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family, commonly known as the dogbane family. This plant is native to tropical Africa, particularly in Sudan, Tanzania, and Madagascar. It grows naturally in rainforests, grasslands, and bushy areas and is characterized by its strong and long-lasting woody vines.
Common Names
The plant Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. has several common names depending on the region. In Sudan, it is called 'Rong' or 'Rongla'; the Hausa people in West Africa refer to the plant as 'Kwarya-kwaya'. Other common names include arrow poison vine, green glory bush, and hard-veined strophanthus.
Appearance
The plant Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. has long and slender woody vines that grow up to 10 meters in length. Its leaves are oval-shaped and turn light green when mature. The plant bears fragrant, tubular flowers that are white or cream-colored and have a diameter of 2-3 cm. The fruit is a long, narrow pod that is 12-15 cm in length, containing up to 75 seeds that are winged and brown in color.
Uses
The plant Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. has been used for various medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. The seeds of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which are used in the treatment of heart diseases such as congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and heart attacks. Additionally, the plant's stem bark is used as an arrow poison by some African tribes. It has also been traditionally used as a fish poison and insect repellent.
Furthermore, the plant Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. has ornamental uses, and its fragrant flowers are used in making garlands and decorations in some parts of Africa.
Light Requirements
Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. is a plant that requires full sun exposure to thrive and grow. The plant should be placed in an area where it can receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. Lack of exposure to sunlight can cause the plant to become weak and even fail to flower.
Temperature Requirements
Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. is adaptable to different temperature ranges. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 18°C and 27°C. Young plants and seedlings should be protected from extremely low temperatures as they are more vulnerable to cold damage.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. Good soil condition can significantly improve the growth rate and health status of Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch..
It is vital to avoid waterlogging to prevent the roots from rotting. Regular watering is required to maintain moisture around the root zone, but waterlogging should be prevented. The plant should be watered once a week, especially during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods for Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch.
Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. is a perennial climber that grows well in warm and humid climates. It requires well-drained soil and full sun to grow to its full potential. The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
The ideal time for planting seeds or cuttings is in early spring or late winter. The seeds should be sown 1-2 cm deep in the soil and kept moist until the seedlings emerge. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting in moist soil.
Watering Needs for Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch.
Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. requires regular watering to maintain its growth. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases. During dry periods, the plant may need extra watering to prevent wilting.
It is recommended to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid excessive evaporation. The frequency of watering may vary depending on the climate and soil type, so it is important to monitor the soil moisture regularly to ensure it is appropriate for the plant's needs.
Fertilization for Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch.
Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. benefits from regular fertilization to provide the necessary nutrients for growth and bloom. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
Fertilizer should be applied every two weeks during the growing season and reduced during the dormant period. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning for Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch.
Pruning is not necessary for Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. unless it has overgrown its support or become too dense. The plant can be pruned lightly in early spring to control its shape and size.
Dead or damaged branches can be removed at any time of the year to promote new growth and prevent disease. It is recommended to use clean pruning shears to avoid spreading infections.
Propagation of Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch.
Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. is a woody climbing plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds, cuttings, or layering.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. are generally small and should be collected from mature fruits. The seeds should be cleaned and sown in a well-draining soil mixture. The seedlings should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Soil temperature plays a crucial role in seed germination, and it should be kept between 68 and 72°F. The germination of seeds can take anywhere between two weeks to two months.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is possible with Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. The cuttings should be taken during summer or early autumn and should be around 4-6 inches in length. The leaves on the lower half should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist. It is advisable to keep the planted cuttings in a shaded area to prevent excessive transpiration. With proper care, the cuttings should root within six to eight weeks.
Propagation through Layering
Propagation through layering is a common method for Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. The layering should be done in early spring, and a low-lying branch should be selected. A ring of bark should be removed from the branch, and the wound should be treated with rooting hormone. The wounded branch should be buried in the soil, and the tip of the branch should be trained upwards. The buried branch should produce roots within a few months, and it can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted once it has established a healthy root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch.
Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch., also known as Poison Rope, is a plant species found in several regions of Africa. It is a valuable medicinal plant used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. However, this plant is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch., and how to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves, which can turn grey or brown over time. The spots can merge to form larger patches that can cause defoliation. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves and stems. Fungicides such as copper-based fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by Phytophthora spp. The disease causes the plant to wilt, and leaves turn yellow. The roots become dark, slimy, and rotten. The disease can be managed by improving soil drainage, avoiding overwatering, and using fungicides such as Metalaxyl.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the stems, leaves, and pods of Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. The disease causes sunken, dark-colored lesions on the plant parts. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts, ensure proper air circulation, and use fungicides such as Mancozeb.
Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause severe damage to Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. The pest can cause yellowing and curling of leaves, webbing on leaves, and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or a strong jet of water to spray the leaves and stems of the plant.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on plant tissues and can spread viruses. The insect can cause leaves to turn silvery, distorted, and stunted growth. To manage thrips, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or spinosad. Remove and destroy severely infested plants.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths and can cause significant damage to Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. The pest can cause defoliation, stunted plant growth, and feed on the plant's flowers and fruits. To manage caterpillars, use Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad. Handpick them during the early stages of infestation.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests affecting Strophanthus asper Oliv. ex Planch. requires early detection, proper identification, and appropriate control measures. A combination of cultural practices such as good sanitation, crop rotation, and chemical control might minimize the damage caused by diseases and pests.
