Overview
Strophanthus bariba Boyé & Béréni is a plant species that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is a valuable medicinal plant that is widely used in traditional medicine by the people of Africa.
Origin and distribution
The plant originates from West Africa- specifically from Nigeria, where it is commonly found in the sub-Saharan regions interwoven within the forest undergrowth.
Common names
Strophanthus bariba is known by several common names among the locals, which include Gbana, Iyeye, and Ojemaye.
General appearance
Strophanthus bariba is a climbing perennial shrub that is commonly found in woody thickets within the rainforests of West Africa. It has a slender, woody stem that can grow up to 4 meters long and a bark that is smooth and pale in color.
The leaves are simple, opposite, elliptical with a pointed apex, and measures between 7-16 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. They are dark green, glossy, and smooth on the top surface, while the underneath surface is slightly hairy with prominent veins.
The flowers are star-shaped, waxy, and have white or yellow petals that are fused at the base, forming a five-lobed corolla that is approximately 2-4 cm in diameter. They are scented and bloom between the months of March to June.
Uses
Strophanthus bariba is a vital medicinal plant with various applications. The plant is used to treat several ailments, including heart conditions such as congestive heart failure, and hypertension.
Additionally, it is used to alleviate pain, as a diuretic, and as a remedy for snakebites. The plant is also used in the production of cardiac glycosides. These glycosides are used in the manufacture of heart medications to treat congestive heart failure and irregular heartbeats.
The bark of the plant is also used to produce fibers used for weaving baskets and making rope.
Light Requirements
Strophanthus bariba requires bright light but benefits from some shading during periods of intense sunlight. It prefers direct sunlight for at least four to six hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 21-32°C (70-90°F) during the day and around 16-18°C (60-65°F) at night. Extreme temperature changes may lead to severe stress or death of the plant. It is crucial to maintain stable temperatures to ensure optimal growth and blooming.
Soil Requirements
Strophanthus bariba grows well in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter with good moisture retention capacity. Waterlogging and poor drainage can lead to root rot and eventual death of the plant. Additionally, it is essential to fertilize the plant regularly using a balanced fertilizer to ensure the health and longevity of the plant.
Cultivation methods
Strophanthus bariba is commonly grown in well-drained soils that are enriched with organic matter. The plant prefers loamy or sandy soils, exposed to bright sunlight. In areas with extreme climates, it's advisable to grow the plant under partial shade to avoid leaf scorching.
Sow the seeds in pots filled with organic matter and loamy soil mixture. The plant should emerge in 2-3 weeks. Ensure the pots are placed in a sunny location with a temperature range of 20-25 degrees Celsius. Seedlings should be transplanted into a large container once they attain 1-2 leaves.
Watering needs
Strophanthus bariba requires adequate watering to thrive. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering may cause root rot while under-watering leads to wilting and stunted growth. During the growing season, water the plant frequently but reduce the frequency during the dormant season.
Fertilization
The plant grows well when fertilized regularly. Use balanced fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or higher. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, from spring to summer, at intervals of 4-6 weeks. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying the fertilizer and avoid over-fertilization, which may damage the plant.
Pruning
Strophanthus bariba requires minimal pruning. However, regular pruning promotes bushy growth and improves the plant's overall appearance. Prune the plant after flowering or during the beginning of the growing season. Use sharp pruning shears to eliminate dead or damaged branches and stems. Pinch the tips occasionally to induce branching and promote fuller growth.
Propagation of Strophanthus bariba Boyé & Béréni
Strophanthus bariba Boyé & Béréni is an evergreen climbing plant that is commonly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Strophanthus bariba must be collected from mature and fully ripe fruits. Before sowing, seeds are soaked for 24 hours in warm water to improve germination rates. To plant, fill a container with sandy loam soil or a mixture of soil and sand. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1 cm and keep the soil moist. Germination typically takes around 3 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cutting is another propagation method that can be used to reproduce Strophanthus bariba. Choose stem cuttings from a healthy and disease-free plant. The cuttings should be taken from the mature stems that have shed their leaves. Dip the lower ends of the cuttings into a rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade until the cuttings have rooted, which should be around 4-6 weeks. Once the new plants have established root systems, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management for Strophanthus bariba Boyé & Béréni
Strophanthus bariba Boyé & Béréni is generally a healthy plant species without major disease issues. However, occasionally, it can be susceptible to certain diseases. Here are some common diseases that can affect Strophanthus bariba Boyé & Béréni and ways to manage them:
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes large, dark sunken spots on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy all infected plant parts. Fungicides can also be used to treat the disease.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spots are caused by different kinds of fungi and appear as small, round spots with yellow halos. The best management strategy is to remove affected leaves and reduce humidity levels around the plant to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to manage leaf spots.
Pest Management for Strophanthus bariba Boyé & Béréni
Strophanthus bariba Boyé & Béréni is not typically plagued by pests, but it is still important to be vigilant and manage any pest issues that arise to keep your plant healthy. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause leaf discoloration and an overall decline in plant health. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to remove and destroy any infested leaves and to regularly mist the plant to increase humidity, which can help deter spider mites. Insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used for more severe infestations.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and distorted leaves. The most effective way to manage aphids is to spray the plant with a strong stream of water, which will dislodge them from the plant. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can also be used for more severe infestations.
