General Information
Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach. is a plant that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is a subspecies of Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax, which is commonly known as poison rope or arrow poison vine.
Origin
Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach. is native to the tropical rainforests of Africa, specifically Cameroon, Gabon, the Congo, and Angola.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including poison arrow vine, poison rope vine, stretcher vine, poison bush, and pink strophantus.
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people in Africa. The bark and roots contain potent cardiac glycosides, which are toxic in large doses but can be used to treat heart conditions in small doses. The plant has also been used as a poison for hunting and warfare, as the toxic sap from the leaves and bark can be applied to arrowheads and spears.
Appearance
The Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach. plant is a woody vine that can grow up to 30 meters in length. It has thick, leathery leaves that are glossy green in color. The plant produces fragrant pink or white flowers that bloom in clusters and have a distinctive star shape. The fruit is a long, narrow pod that contains numerous seeds with a characteristic tuft of silky hairs at one end.
Light Requirements:
Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach. thrives in full sun exposure. This plant requires bright and direct sunlight to grow optimally and produce flowers. A lack of sunlight could affect the plant's growth and decrease the number of flowers produced.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant is native to Africa, where the temperature is usually warm. Therefore, it prefers warm temperatures between 20 and 30°C throughout the year. Cooler temperatures below 15°C or frost may cause the plant's leaves to fall off, and it may affect the flowering of the plant.
Soil Requirements:
The soil type required by Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach. should be well-draining and rich in nutrients. The soil should be sandy or loamy, with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soils. It is essential to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and hinder growth.
Cultivation methods
Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach. is a tropical plant that is native to West and Central Africa. It can grow up to 20 feet tall when grown under ideal conditions. This plant can be easily cultivated in tropical regions where the temperature ranges between 65 and 80°F.
It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. The plant grows best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The seeds of Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach. should be sown in early spring in warm weather when the temperatures are above 60°F. Before planting, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to help with germination.
Watering needs
Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach. requires regular watering in its early stages of growth. After the plant is established, it can tolerate periods of drought. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure that the plant is not sitting in water for extended periods.
The frequency of watering depends on the climate and soil type. In general, the plant should be watered every 7-10 days or when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. During periods of extreme heat, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
The plant needs regular fertilization for optimal growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to excessive growth and reduce the number of flowers. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct application rate.
Pruning
Pruning can help the plant maintain its shape and promote new growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Cut back any long, leggy shoots to promote bushier growth. Remove any crossing branches that rub against each other. Pinch back the tips of the remaining branches to encourage more lateral growth.
With proper care and cultivation, Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach. can be a beautiful tropical plant that produces fragrant, exotic flowers.
Propagation of Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach.
Propagation of Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach. can be achieved through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The best time to collect seeds is during the dry season when the pods are mature, and the seeds have turned dark brown. The seeds should be removed from the pods, cleaned, and sown immediately.
The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and they should be covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from healthy parent plants, and they should be about 10-15 cm long.
The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings should then be planted in well-draining soil, and they should be placed in a shaded area.
The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should develop roots within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management for Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach.
There are various common diseases that can affect Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach. plant species. The most common diseases that affect Strophanthus preussii are fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spots, and root rot. Fungi such as Fusarium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia can cause root rot and damping off. Powdery mildew is caused by various fungi including Erysiphe cichoracearum and Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae.
Treating fungal disease involves isolating the infected plant immediately and ensuring good hygiene by disposing of affected flowers, leaves, and branches. In addition, systemic fungicides can be used to reduce the spread of diseases. Essential oils such as clove, cinnamon, neem oil, and tea tree serve as natural fungicides and assist in keeping fungal diseases away.
Pest Management for Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax var. scabridulus Monach.
Strophanthus preussii is susceptible to pests such as spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies. These pests occur naturally in different plant environments. Aphids are a common pest that affects plant species, and they can be removed manually by spraying water onto the plant or by plant pruning. Spider mites are more complicated, and they often require using a miticide to remove them effectively.
Chemical insecticides like insecticidal soap can be used to eliminate pests such as whiteflies and mealybugs. Natural predators like ladybugs can also help maintain pest populations naturally. In addition, neem oil, insecticidal soap, and or garlic water can also help keep pests like aphids at bay.
Overall, the best protection against diseases and pests is to ensure the plant has a healthy environment, good hygiene practices, and a healthy level of natural defense mechanisms. Timely action is critical as once diseases and pests have taken root, they can be challenging to dislodge. With a regular maintenance schedule and early intervention, Strophanthus preussii can be a healthy and disease-free plant.
