Origin
Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte, also known as Ledien's Strophanthus, is a plant species that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Tanzania.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including African arrow poison, kombe, and stretcher-bearer's root.
Uses
The plant has a long history of medicinal use by indigenous people in Africa. Its bark, leaves, and roots contain various alkaloids, including strophanthidin, ouabain, and k-strophanthidin, which have potent cardiac effects. The plant is used to treat various heart conditions, including arrhythmia, heart failure, and angina. It is also used as a traditional arrow poison in certain African communities.
General Appearance
Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii is a woody climber that can grow up to 10 meters tall. Its leaves are glossy and leathery, with a dark green color. The plant produces small greenish-white fragrant flowers that bloom from summer to fall. Its fruit is a woody capsule that contains numerous seeds, which are covered in silky white hairs.
Growth Conditions for Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte
Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte is a tropical African plant that requires specific growth conditions in order to thrive. Here are the typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light Requirements
Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte requires bright, indirect light for optimal growth. It should be placed in a location where it can receive plenty of natural light, but not direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and damage the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It does not tolerate cold temperatures well, so it should be kept away from drafts or cold windows. In addition, it should not be placed near heating or cooling vents as this can cause fluctuations in temperature.
Soil Requirements
Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH level of 6.0-7.0 and contain plenty of perlite or sand to aid in drainage. It should be watered deeply and regularly, but be careful not to overwater the plant as this can cause root rot.
Cultivation
Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii is a tropical plant native to Central Africa. It requires a warm and humid environment to grow properly. This plant is best grown indoors, in a well-draining soil mix. It can also be grown outdoors in areas with warm climates.
The ideal temperature range for Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii is between 65°F (18°C) to 80°F (27°C). It is essential to avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or exposing the plant to frost. It thrives in bright but indirect sunlight, and you should ensure that the plant is protected from direct rays.
Watering Needs
Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii requires moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. Watering requirements depend on the plant's environment and the size of the pot. Water the plant when the soil's top layer feels dry to the touch.
It's crucial to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. Inadequate watering, on the other hand, can damage and stunt the plant's growth.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential for Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii to thrive optimally. It would be best if you fertilized the plant every four weeks using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Use a diluted solution of fertilizer and dilute it further when applying it to the plant.
The plant's growth rate determines the frequency of fertilizer application. If the plant is growing vigorously, increase the frequency of fertilization to once every two weeks.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii, but it can help the plant to produce more branches and grow thicker. Prune any yellow or dead leaves, flowers, or stems to keep the plant healthy.
You can also prune the plant to shape it as desired. Use pruning shears to make clean, angled cuts. However, avoid over-pruning, which can damage the plant and cause stunted growth.
Propagation of Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte
Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte, commonly known as Kombe arrow poison, is a plant species native to tropical Africa. It is characterized by the presence of large, showy, and fragrant white flowers that grow in clusters. The plant is propagated through various methods such as:
Seed propagation
Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte can be propagated from seeds. Seeds are collected from the mature pods after natural disintegration or manually by smashing the dry pods. Seeds need to be soaked in water for 24-48 hours to soften the outer coating. After soaking, these seeds are sown in well-draining soil mix and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination occurs within 4-6 weeks in a warm and humid environment.
Cutting propagation
The plant can be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is usually in the spring or during the growing season. Cuttings are taken from young, vigorous stems of the plant that have not yet become woody. The cutting should be around 6 to 8 inches long with at least two leaves on the stem. The lower leaves are then stripped off and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings are kept in a warm and humid environment and usually root within 4-6 weeks.
Grafting propagation
Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte can also be propagated through grafting. Grafting involves attaching a scion from the desired plant to the rootstock of another plant. In the case of Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte, the rootstock is usually another species of the same genus with a more vigorous root system. The scion is then carefully trimmed to fit the rootstock and secured with grafting tape. The plant is then kept in a warm and humid environment until the graft has taken, usually within 4-6 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte
Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte is a tropical plant that is generally disease and pest-resistant. However, it is still susceptible to some diseases and pests that can cause damage, such as:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte is powdery mildew. This disease is often identified by the presence of a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. If left untreated, it may lead to a significant reduction in plant growth and yield.
To manage powdery mildew, it is advised to ensure good air circulation around the plant, maintaining moderate soil moisture levels, and removing and destroying infected plant debris. Additionally, apply fungicides as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Pests
The most common pests that can infest Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte include spider mites, whiteflies, and Aphids. These pests feed on plant sap, leaving the plant weak and damaged.
Regularly inspecting the plant for early signs of infestation, removing infested leaves, and spraying insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control the pest populations. Alternatively, introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can help control infestations naturally.
In summary, managing disease and pest infestations in Strophanthus kombe Oliv. var. ledienii (Stein) Staner & Michotte involves good plant hygiene practices such as removing infected plant debris, maintaining moderate soil moisture levels, ensuring good air circulation, regular inspection of the plant, and appropriate use of chemical controls.
