Overview
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. is a plant species belonging to family Apocynaceae. It is a woody climber plant that is primarily known for its medicinal properties and is found in different parts of Africa.
Origin
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. is native to Africa, particularly in Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. It grows in tropical and subtropical forest regions and is commonly found growing in the wild.
Common Names
This plant has several common names such as Arrow-Poison Root, (in French) Loumbe, Kifufu, and (in Portuguese) Batata-De-Escopeta.
Uses
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine. It contains potent cardiac glycosides, which are used to treat various heart conditions such as congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, and hypertension. The plant also has potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions that make it effective in managing different types of pain.
General Appearance
The plant has long woody stems that can grow up to 20 meters long. Its fruits are long cylindrical pods of about 20 cm in length, which split open when mature, releasing small seeds with a tuft of silky hairs. The leaves are thick, leathery, and shiny green, while the flowers are small, white, and have a sweet fragrance.
Growth Conditions for Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach.
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. is a tropical plant that is originally native to Central and West Africa. It belongs to the family Apocynaceae and is known for its medicinal properties. The plant grows as a vine and can reach up to 5 meters in height.
Light Requirements
The plant requires bright, indirect sunlight. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight for prolonged periods, especially during the afternoon. The optimal light conditions for Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. are partial shade or dappled light.
Temperature Requirements
Being a tropical plant, Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. thrives in warm temperatures between 18°C to 25°C during the day and 12°C to 18°C during the night. The plant cannot tolerate frost, and temperatures below 10°C can severely damage it.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with rich organic matter. The pH levels should range between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should also be moist but not soggy. Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. can tolerate periodic drying out of the soil but may die if overwatered.
In summary, the plant requires bright but filtered light, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil with rich organic matter. With proper care and maintenance, Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. can grow vigorously, producing beautiful flowers and leaves.
Cultivation methods
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers well-drained soils, and good air circulation. The plant thrives in full sunlight, but in hot summers, partial shade might be necessary.
The plant is best grown from seeds, which can be sown during the summer for germination in the next spring. The seeds must be planted 1 cm deep in the soil and covered with sand. Once the seeds have germinated, the young plants should be kept moist.
Plant spacing for Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. is 1 meter apart.
Watering needs
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. should be watered regularly, but not too frequently. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important not to let the soil stay too wet for too long.
The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. During the hot summer months, the plant may need to be watered twice a week, depending on the climate and soil type. A good way to tell if the plant needs watering is to stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry 3 cm below the surface, it's time to water again.
Fertilization
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, should be applied once a month from spring to fall.
It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant and lead to excessive foliage at the expense of blooms. A good rule of thumb is to reduce the amount of fertilizer during the hot summer months.
Pruning
Pruning Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. is essential to maintain a healthy plant and promote blooming. The best time to prune is after the blooming season. Remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any crossing branches.
To promote bushiness, pinch back the tips of young shoots in spring. This will cause the plant to develop lateral growth and produce more blooms.
Propagation of Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach.
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. is a flowering plant that belongs to Apocynaceae family. It is primarily found in tropical regions of Africa. The plant is propagated both sexually and asexually.
Sexual Propagation
The plant produces seeds that can be used for propagation. The seeds are small and need to be collected carefully as they are easily lost. They must be sown as soon as they are collected as they lose viability quickly. The seeds are sown in a well-draining soil mix that is kept moist but not wet. Germination can take up to 4-6 weeks.
Asexual Propagation
The plant can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. For stem cutting propagation, healthy stem cuttings are taken from the mother plant. The stem cutting should be at least 10-12 cm long and have 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the stem cutting is dipped into a rooting hormone. The stem cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, and the pot is covered with a plastic bag to retain moisture. The cutting must be kept in a shaded area until roots have formed. After roots have formed, the plant can be transferred to a bigger pot with well-draining soil mix.
Propagation of Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach. can be challenging, and it is recommended that those new to propagation use asexual propagation methods like stem cuttings. However, with practice, sexual propagation can also be successful.
Disease Management
The plant Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach is relatively resistant to many diseases. However, some common fungal diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This disease is characterized by dark, sunken lesions on leaves and stems. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts and applying fungicides.
- Botrytis Blight: This disease causes greyish-brown lesions on leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts and applying fungicides.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi and causes yellowing and wilting of leaves. It can be managed by improving soil drainage and avoiding overwatering.
To prevent the spread of fungal diseases, it is essential to maintain good sanitation practices, including removing infected plant debris, disinfecting tools, and avoiding overhead watering.
Pest Management
The plant Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. glabriflorus Monach is also relatively resistant to many pests. However, some common pests that may affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on plant sap and can cause distorted leaves and stunted growth. They can be managed by using natural predators, such as ladybugs, or by applying insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of leaves. They can be managed by increasing humidity levels or applying insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These pests can feed on leaves, causing holes and skeletonization of the foliage. They can be managed by handpicking or applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
To prevent the spread of pests, it is essential to maintain good cultural practices, such as proper watering and fertilization, and to monitor plants regularly for signs of infestation.
