Origin
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte is a tropical plant species that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to central and western African countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Common Names
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte is commonly known as "Runner Strophanthus" or "Twining Strophantus" due to its tendency to climb on other plants or surfaces. It is also known as "Mbolumbolum" or "Nsom in Cameroon, "Kongoa" or "Nkongowen" in Congo, and "Kondogo" or "Kwa-kwa" in Gabon.
Uses
The plant has a variety of medicinal uses among different African communities. The seeds, roots, and leaves of Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte are believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In Cameroon, the powdered root of the plant is used to treat snakebites, while in Gabon, a decoction of the leaves is used to calm anxiety and nervousness. The seeds are also used to make a cardiac glycoside compound that is used to manage heart conditions such as arrhythmia and congestive heart failure.
General Appearance
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte is a woody climber that can grow up to 30 meters long. The plant has green, oval-shaped leaves that are arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are white, tubular, and fragrant with a yellowish-green center. The fruits are elongated capsules that contain numerous seeds with a tuft of silky hairs on one end to aid in wind dispersion.
Light Requirements
The Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte plant typically prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It is best to provide 4-6 hours of light per day to ensure healthy growth. Too much direct sunlight can harm the leaves, so it is best to avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature range for Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte is between 18-24° Celsius. Anything below 16° Celsius will cause the plant to become dormant, and prolonged exposure to temperatures above 30° Celsius can harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 7.0. It is best to use a soil mix that contains organic matter to improve drainage and retain moisture. The addition of perlite, sand, or vermiculite will also help to improve the soil's drainage. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to ensure optimum growth.
Cultivation Methods:
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte is generally grown from seeds. The seeds should be planted in well-draining potting soil, kept moist but not wet, and placed in a warm, bright location. The seeds should start to sprout in about 2-4 weeks. The plant prefers well-draining soil, and the pot should have good drainage to prevent waterlogging. It grows best in partial shade but will tolerate full sun with proper watering.
Watering Needs:
The plant requires moderate watering on a regular basis. It can tolerate dry periods but should not be left without water for too long. The soil should be checked regularly, and the plant should be watered when the soil dries out. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soil.
Fertilization:
The plant will benefit from regular fertilization during its growing season, which is generally in spring and summer. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied once a month. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months, as the plant enters a dormant phase and does not require as much nutrition.
Pruning:
Pruning can be done to control the plant's size, shape, and promote bushier growth. The best time to prune Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte is in the early spring before the growing season starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back any overgrown areas to encourage new growth. It is also important to remove any suckers that grow from the base of the plant to prevent these from competing with the main stem.
Propagation methods for Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte is a woody climber species endemic to the African continent. It is mainly propagated through stem cuttings and seed germination.
Stem cutting propagation
Stem cutting propagation is the most common method for Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte. Cuttings are taken from the upper parts of the plant, and they should be at least 10 cm in length and have at least three leaves. The cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to promote root growth and planted in well-drained soil with a mixture of sand and peat. The cutting should be kept moist, and it takes about 6-8 weeks for it to develop roots. After the roots have developed, the stem can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Seed germination propagation
Seeds are also used to propagate Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte. The seeds can be collected from the fruit capsules of mature plants. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist. The seeds can take up to 3 months to germinate. After the seeds have sprouted, they should be transferred to larger pots and fertilized regularly.
Disease Management
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte is susceptible to various diseases, including leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Leaf spots: This fungal disease causes small to large spots on leaves, varying in color from brown to black. To manage leaf spots, remove infected leaves and destroy them. Apply fungicides, such as copper sulfate, to prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, spray infected plants with fungicides, such as potassium bicarbonate. Ensure the plant has adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce humidity.
Root rot: This disease is caused by water-logging and soil-borne fungi. The roots become discolored, and the plant's growth is stunted. To manage root rot, remove infected plants from the soil, add organic matter to improve drainage, and apply fungicides, such as thiophanate-methyl.
Pest Management
Strophanthus sarmentosus DC. var. pubescens Staner & Michotte is vulnerable to pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Aphids: These soft-bodied insects suck sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are effective natural enemies of aphids.
Mealybugs: These small, white insects suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant's leaves and stems.
Spider mites: These tiny, spider-like insects pierce the plant's leaves, resulting in silver-white speckles. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to increase humidity levels or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, can also help control spider mites.
