Overview
Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. is a plant species native to Africa and belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is a climbing shrub that has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties.
Appearance
The plant has long, strong vines with cylindrical stems coated in fine hairs. The leaves are narrow and elongated, with a leathery texture, and range in colour from dark green to a purplish-green. The flowers are tubular and white, with a star-shaped corolla at the middle, and can bloom throughout the whole year.
Common Names
The common names for Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. vary throughout Africa. In Cameroon it is known as "Epopi," in Nigeria, it is called "Oyinbo pupa," while the Hausas community calls it "Tubaliya."
Uses
The plant is primarily used for its medicinal purposes, particularly in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Central African Republic. It has been traditionally used to treat hypertension, irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulties, and snake bites. The plant is also used as a contraceptive by some communities. Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. is a source of cardiac glycosides that are extracted from the seed and used in the production of a medication that is used to treat heart failure.
Typical Growth Conditions for Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild.
Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. is an evergreen, climbing vine that is native to Central and West Africa. In order for this plant to thrive, it must be grown under specific conditions that mimic its natural habitat.
Light Requirements:
The plant needs to be placed in a location where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. It is important to avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can lead to leaf scorching and other problems.
Temperature Requirements:
Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. thrives in warm temperatures between 20-26°C. It is important to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 16°C or above 32°C, as this can lead to growth problems and even plant death.
Soil Requirements:
The plant grows well in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5. The addition of organic matter such as compost or manure can improve the soil structure and provide essential nutrients for the plant.
Water Requirements:
This plant requires regular watering, but it is important to avoid overwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and it is important to allow the soil to dry slightly between watering.
Fertilizer Requirements:
Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer.
Cultivation of Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild.
Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. belongs to the family Apocynaceae, and it is a climbing shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. This plant is native to Central Africa and is commonly found in the tropical rainforests. Here are some guidelines on how to cultivate Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild.
Firstly, this plant thrives best in a warm and humid climate with a temperature range of 20°C to 35°C with high humidity levels. When it comes to soil, it prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Due to its climbing nature, Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. needs support such as trellis or fences to climb on.
Watering Needs of Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild.
Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. needs regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, which is in the summer, it should be watered frequently. As the plants age, they require less water, and the frequency of watering can be reduced.
However, it is essential to note that this plant cannot tolerate drought conditions, so care should be taken to avoid allowing it to dry out completely. In addition, avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild.
Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. requires regular fertilization to ensure proper growth and development. During the growing season, this plant needs a monthly application of a balanced fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as it can lead to the buildup of salt in the soil and cause damage to the roots of the plant.
Pruning of Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild.
Pruning of Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. is essential to promote bushier growth and to keep the plant in a manageable size. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, which is in late winter or early spring. It involves removing all dead and damaged plant parts, as well as shortening the previous year's growth to encourage branching.
Additionally, it is essential to keep in mind that this plant has poisonous sap, and protective clothing should be worn when handling it to avoid skin irritation and other adverse reactions.
Propagation of Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild.
Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild., commonly known as the "poison rope," is native to Africa and is a popular medicinal plant due to its cardiac glycosides. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and grafting techniques.
Seeds
Seeds can be collected from the plant when pods turn yellow or brown. Ensure to store seeds in a well-ventilated container to prevent the growth of fungi. Before sowing, seeds should be soaked for 24 hours in warm water. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil at a depth of 1cm and keep them in a warm, shaded location until germination.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be obtained by using a sharp, sterilized blade to cut approximately 6-8 inches of stem from a healthy plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and keep it moist. Place the pot in a warm, shaded area, and water the plant regularly. Roots should develop in about three to six weeks.
Grafting
Grafting is a widely popular propagation method for Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. Select a healthy rootstock and scion for grafting. The scion is the top part of the plant that will be grafted onto the rootstock. Split the rootstock, and then make a cut in the same shape on the scion. Join the two pieces together and secure them with grafting tape. Keep the grafted plant in a warm, shaded area, and water it regularly. After a few weeks, remove the grafting tape.
Disease and Pest Management for Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild.
Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. is a medicinal plant that is known for its numerous health benefits. However, the plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce its productivity. Therefore, it is essential to implement disease and pest management practices to ensure that the plant stays healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves. This disease can cause deformation of the leaves, reduced growth and productivity, and eventually death of the plant.
Another common disease that affects this plant is leaf spot. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as brown spots on the leaves. The infected leaves may turn yellow and fall off, leading to reduced growth and productivity.
Pest Management
Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. is susceptible to pest attack, which can cause damage to the plant and reduced productivity. Some common pests that affect this plant include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can suck sap from the plant and cause deformation of the leaves, reduced growth and productivity, and death of the plant.
To manage pests, it is essential to inspect the plant regularly and identify the pests early enough. One way to get rid of the pests is by using insecticidal soaps, which can kill the pests without causing harm to the plant.
Disease Management
Several disease management practices can help prevent the occurrence of diseases in Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. One of the most effective ways to manage the disease is by maintaining proper plant hygiene. Removing infected leaves from the plant and cleaning pruning tools can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Fungicides can also be used to manage fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. It is essential to identify the specific disease affecting the plant before applying any fungicides. Additionally, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage and application procedures to ensure that the fungicide is effective.
In conclusion, implementing disease and pest management practices is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of Strophanthus hispidus DC. var. bosere De Wild. Regular inspection of the plant, proper plant hygiene, and the use of appropriate fungicides and insecticides can help prevent disease and pest attack, ensuring that the plant stays healthy and productive.
