Overview of Strophanthus gilletii De Wild.
Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. is a plant species in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to central and eastern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. The plant is commonly known as "Arrow poison" or "Gillet's snake twiner".
Appearance of Strophanthus gilletii De Wild.
Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. is a woody climber that can grow up to 20 meters long. Its leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, with a length of 10-20 cm and a width of 5-10 cm. The plant produces large and showy white flowers with a diameter of 5-6 cm. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous seeds with a distinctive winged tip.
Uses of Strophanthus gilletii De Wild.
Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. has been traditionally used by indigenous African societies for various medicinal purposes. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, which are compounds that affect the heart's function. The plant is commonly used as a treatment for heart disease, hypertension, and other cardiovascular disorders. Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. is also used as arrow poison by some indigenous hunter-gatherer tribes. In addition, the plant is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental due to its attractive flowers.
Growth Conditions for Strophanthus gilletii De Wild.
Strophanthus gilletii De Wild., commonly known as "Kilima-mbogo", is a woody climber plant found in East Africa. This plant typically grows in forest areas, riverine vegetation, and in rocky places. It requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light Requirements
Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. grows well in areas with partial shade. The ideal light conditions for this plant are with 50 - 60% shade cover. Too much direct sunlight can cause dehydration and damage to the foliage.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows well in a warm and humid climate, with an average temperature range of 25-30°C. During the colder months, it is essential to protect the plant from frost and cold winds.
Soil Requirements
Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant also prefers soils with high moisture content. It is important to prevent waterlogging as this can lead to root rot.
Providing the right growth conditions will ensure that Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. grows and blooms successfully. Providing partial shade, warm and humid temperatures, and well-draining soil will result in a healthy and thriving plant.
Cultivation Method for Strophanthus gilletii De Wild.
Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. is a tropical plant native to Africa. This plant species grow well in warm and humid conditions, with temperature ranging between 20°C - 30°C.
It can grow well in a wide range of soils, but a well-drained loamy soil with pH ranging between 5.5 to 7.0 is recommended. The planting can be done at any time of the year, but the rainy season is the best for planting.
Watering Needs for Strophanthus gilletii De Wild.
The watering needs of Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. depend on the weather conditions and the stage of growth. Too much watering can cause root rot, while insufficient watering can lead to leaf shedding.
During the dry season, the plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week. However, during the rainy season, watering could be done less frequently.
Fertilization for Strophanthus gilletii De Wild.
The plant needs proper fertilization for it to grow well. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 is recommended. This should be applied three times a year; in the first year, when the plant is six months old, and during the second and third year.
The fertilizer should be spread around the base of the plant and then watered in gently.
Pruning for Strophanthus gilletii De Wild.
Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant size and to promote new growth. Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. should be pruned annually at the beginning of the rainy season (spring). Pruning should be done by cutting off the branches that are weak or damaged and those that have already flowered.
This should be done to maintain a shape that is aesthetically pleasing and healthy for the plant.
Propagation of Strophanthus gilletii De Wild.
The Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. is mainly propagated through seeds and cuttings for both commercial cultivation and domestic propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of the Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. are collected when they are mature and dry. The seeds should be soaked in water for about 12-24 hours to improve the germination rate. The seeds should then be sown in a well-drained soil mixture and kept moist. The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks. After germination, the seedlings should be grown in containers and then transplanted to the field when they are about six months old.
Cutting Propagation
The Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. can be propagated by softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken from the current season's new growth in spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 10-15cm long and have at least two nodes. The bottom of the stem should be treated with rooting hormone to encourage root formation. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mixture and kept moist. Rooting should occur within four to six weeks. The newly rooted cuttings should be gradually acclimatized to the field before being transplanted.
Both propagation methods require careful attention to soil moisture, temperature, and humidity levels to ensure success and optimal growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Strophanthus gilletii De Wild.
Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. is a medicinal plant that is native to tropical Africa and is widely cultivated for its cardiac glycosides content that are used to treat certain heart diseases. However, the plant is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can damage the plant and reduce its yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Strophanthus gilletii De Wild. and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Leaf spot: Leaf spots are caused by fungal infections and are identified by circular spots that develop on the leaves. Infected leaves have a yellow or brown color that spreads as the disease progresses. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and apply fungicides to the remaining leaves.
2. Root rot: Root rot disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora, which thrives in overwatered soils. Overwatering of the plant may result in the roots getting infected and rotting. To prevent root rot disease, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage of the soil. Also, treat other infected plants before planting Strophanthus gilletii.
Pests
1. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small winged insects that feed on the plant's sap, resulting in stunted growth and low yield. The presence of these pests is identified by the white powdery substance on the leaves and stem. To manage whiteflies, use sticky traps to capture adult flies before laying eggs, and spray the plant with insecticide soap to kill larvae.
2. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the plant's sap and reduce its yield. The plant is identified by distorted leaves and sticky juice. To manage aphids, spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, which kills the pests without damaging the plant.
By following these disease and pest management techniques for Strophanthus gilletii De Wild., the plant will be healthy, and the yield will be high. It's essential to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of disease or pest infestation and take appropriate action timely.
