Origin of Strophanthus bullenianus Mast.
Strophanthus bullenianus Mast. is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. This plant is native to Africa, specifically in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, and Uganda.
Common Names of Strophanthus bullenianus Mast.
Strophanthus bullenianus Mast. is commonly known as arrow-poison plant, liane à flèches, and saba or sabah root.
Uses of Strophanthus bullenianus Mast.
Strophanthus bullenianus Mast. has long been used for its medicinal properties. The plant contains active compounds called cardenolides, which are used to treat conditions such as heart failure, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat.
The roots and seeds of Strophanthus bullenianus Mast. are commonly used to make traditional medicines. The seeds are ground into a powder and mixed with water or palm wine to create a tonic that is believed to enhance fertility in both men and women.
Additionally, the plant root has been used traditionally to treat snakebites and as a fish poison.
General Appearance of Strophanthus bullenianus Mast.
Strophanthus bullenianus Mast. grows as a climbing vine that can reach up to 15 meters in length. The plant has thin and slender stems with paired leaves, which are elliptical in shape, and a pointed tip. The flowers are white or cream-colored and have a distinct trumpet shape. The fruit is a long and slender capsule filled with small seeds.
Strophanthus bullenianus Mast. is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions and well-drained soils. The plant is drought-resistant and can tolerate poor soil quality.
Light Requirements
Strophanthus bullenianus Mast. prefers to grow in areas with partial to full sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but the plant may not bloom as prolifically or produce enough seeds when grown in low-light areas.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm climates with average temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but may become susceptible to frost damage if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius. Strophanthus bullenianus Mast. is also sensitive to extreme heat, and temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius can slow down its growth or cause it to wilt.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of pH 6.5 to 7.5 being optimal. It is best to avoid soils that are heavy or waterlogged as this can lead to root rot and affect the overall health of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Strophanthus bullenianus Mast.
Strophanthus bullenianus Mast., also known as the Twisted Cord Flower, is a woody climber that hails from tropical regions of Africa. It requires warm temperatures to thrive, so it is best suited for cultivation in a greenhouse or as a houseplant in regions with cooler temperatures. To cultivate Strophanthus bullenianus Mast successfully, you must follow these cultivation tips:
- It requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter
- It requires bright but indirect light
- It requires warm temperatures between 18°C and 25°C
- It needs support for climbing as it grows
Watering Needs for Strophanthus bullenianus Mast.
Proper watering is critical when growing Strophanthus bullenianus Mast. It requires moist soil, but it is crucial not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Here are some useful watering tips:
- Water thoroughly, and let the soil dry before watering again
- Use lukewarm water at room temperature
- Water only when the soil surface feels dry to the touch
- Always use a well-draining potting mix to help avoid overwatering
Fertilization of Strophanthus bullenianus Mast.
Fertilizing your Strophanthus bullenianus Mast is crucial for growth. You may use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for the best results. Here are some guidelines for fertilizing:
- Fertilize once in four weeks from late spring to early autumn
- Apply the fertilizer at half strength of the package instructions
- Avoid fertilizing in winter or during the plant dormancy period
- Water the plant thoroughly after each fertilization application
Pruning your Strophanthus bullenianus Mast.
Pruning your Strophanthus bullenianus Mast is essential for maintaining its shape and controlling its size. Here are some guidelines for pruning:
- Only prune after flowering has finished
- Prune stem tips to remove dead flowers and promote bushier growth
- Trim excessive growth and remove any wilted, dead, or yellowing leaves
- Ensure all tools used for pruning are clean to avoid the spread of disease.
Propagation Methods for Strophanthus bullenianus Mast.
Strophanthus bullenianus Mast., commonly known as the Poison Rope, is a plant native to tropical Africa. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and has several medicinal properties. Because of its essential value, it is necessary to propagate the plant.
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seeds is the easiest, cheapest, and most common method to grow Strophanthus bullenianus. It requires well-draining soil mix with vermiculite and peat moss. Scarification of seeds is necessary to enhance germination.
The seeds must be collected from the dry fruit of the plant. They should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours and then washed. Soaking loosens the outer covering of the seed, enhancing germination, and washing eliminates pathogens. The scarification process is done by gently scratching the seed coat with a sterile blade, sandpaper, or even sulfuric acid.
After the scarification process, the seeds are sown in pre-made holes of soil, covered with a thin layer of soil, and watered well. Seeds must be kept in a warm and moist place with partial sunlight. Germination can take up to 4 to 6 weeks, and the plant may take up to 4 to 5 years to reach maturity.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings or cloning can also be used to propagate Strophanthus bullenianus. It requires stem cuttings of 10-15 cm long with several leaves attached.
A sharp, sterilized blade should be used to cut the stem diagonally, dipped in rooting hormone, and planted in moist, well-draining soil with vermiculite to enhance the rooting process. The soil should be kept humid and warm up to 25°C for optimal growth. It is recommended to prevent direct sunlight on the cuttings.
After approximately six weeks, newly established roots start emerging from the cutting. Once well-established, the young plant can be gradually adjusted to full sun.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering propagation is a less frequently utilized but efficient method to grow Strophanthus bullenianus. It produces a bigger plant and can provide identical clones of the parent plant.
To air-layer Strophanthus bullenianus, select a low branch of the parent plant, remove a ring of bark about 1.5cm wide from the middle, and pack the exposed area with rooting hormone and moist sphagnum moss then wrap the prepared area with durable plastic or aluminum foil. The moss must be kept humid throughout the process.
After their roots emerged, the tree is cut below the rooted part and is transplanted as a new planting.
Overall, it is important to ensure that the propagated Strophanthus bullenianus is planted in well-draining soil, receives proper amounts of water, and is adequately exposed to sunlight.
Disease and Pest Management for Strophanthus bullenianus Mast.
Strophanthus bullenianus Mast. is a plant species that belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is widely grown for medicinal purposes. When grown under suitable conditions, it has no major diseases or pest problems. However, it can be affected by several diseases and pests, which can cause adverse effects on plant growth, yield, and quality. In the following paragraphs, we discuss some common diseases and pests affecting this plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Leaf Spot : Leaf spot is a common foliar disease caused by fungi such as Phoma strophanthi and Cercospora strophanthus. Symptoms include small, water-soaked spots, which turn brown as they grow in size, leading to defoliation. To manage leaf spots, remove and destroy infected plant debris, provide adequate ventilation and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides such as copper-based fungicides can also be applied to control the spread of the disease.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It is caused by the fungus Oidium sp. and often occurs in dry conditions with low humidity. Regular plant inspection, pruning, and removing infected parts of the plant can help reduce the spread of powdery mildew. Fungicides containing sulfur, potassium bicarbonate, and neem oil can also control the disease.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, leaf curling, and distortion. Monitoring for aphid populations and spraying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can control the pest. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to manage aphids.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can damage the plant by feeding on the leaves and stems. Symptoms include yellowing, mottled leaves and webs on the plant. Regular inspection, pruning, and removing infected plant debris can prevent spider mite infestations. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also control spider mite populations.
Proper management practices such as regular monitoring for diseases and pests, maintaining good plant hygiene, and using appropriate fertilization and irrigation practices can help reduce the incidence of diseases and pests in Strophanthus bullenianus Mast.
