Overview
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is a small tree or shrub species belonging to the family Loganiaceae. It is commonly found in the Eastern African region, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya.
Appearance
The plant has a dark grey-brown bark with yellow, creamy-white, or greenish branches. Leaves are simple, opposite, and oblong-lanceolate, measuring about 6-12 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. They are glossy, hairless, and dark green on the upper side, while the lower side is paler with brown domatia at the axils. The plant produces small white or cream-colored flowers with five petals and a yellow center.
Common Names and Local Uses
The plant Strychnos albersii is commonly known as "Mkanakalulu" in Swahili, and the Maasai people refer to it as "Olesukut". The bark of the plant is used for medicinal purposes by the local communities. It is believed that the bark extracts can be used to treat a variety of health conditions such as fever, coughs, and stomach pains. The bark is also used traditionally to increase lactation in breastfeeding mothers.
Although the plant is not typically used for food, the fruit of Strychnos albersii is edible.
Toxicity
It is important to note that Strychnos albersii is a highly toxic plant due to the presence of strychnine and other alkaloids in its bark and seeds. These toxins can cause severe poisoning and even death if consumed in large quantities.
Light Requirements
Strychnos albersii requires high levels of light for optimal growth. It thrives in direct sunlight, although partial shade is also tolerated. Insufficient light may lead to stunted growth and reduced flower and fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos albersii grows best in warm and humid conditions. The plant prefers temperatures between 20 and 30°C, and it can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C and as high as 35°C. Freezing temperatures and frost should be avoided, as they can cause severe damage to the foliage and stem.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos albersii prefers well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it cannot tolerate standing water or waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot and plant death. The ideal soil pH range for S. albersii is between 6.0 and 7.5.
Cultivation methods
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse can be propagated easily through seeds or cuttings. Cuttings taken from healthy parent plants should be planted in well-draining soil and kept in a warm, humid location to promote root growth. It is essential to maintain a warm temperature range of 20-25°C and provide ample light for the plant's optimal growth.
Watering needs
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is a drought-tolerant plant that can withstand periods of less water. It is advised to water the plant once a week in its growing season and once every two weeks in its dormant season. Make sure that the soil is not consistently wet as it can lead to root rot. Frequent watering needs are dictated by the climatic conditions and can be adjusted accordingly.
Fertilization
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is a light feeder, and excessive fertilization can harm the plant. It is recommended to lightly fertilize the plant once a month during its growing season with a well-balanced fertilizer. This will help in the production of a healthy and dense structure as well as promote better blooming. Avoid using fertilizers during the plant's dormant season as it may cause more harm than good.
Pruning
The ideal time to prune Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is during its dormant season. This might help keep the plant to its desired size and maintain its shape. Remove any broken and dead branches as they can serve as an entry point for fungal and bacterial diseases. It is important to keep the pruning tools clean to avoid the spread of any disease. Do not drastically prune the plant as it might take time to recover.
Propagation of Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is a plant that can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
The plant produces small seeds that can be collected once the fruit has matured and dried on the tree. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining pot or soil bed, and kept moist until germination occurs.
Cuttings propagation
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy branch, remove all leaves from the bottom two-thirds, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix or pot, and keep it moist until roots develop.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering is another method of propagating Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse. This process involves making a small cut on a healthy branch, wrapping it with damp moss or soil mix, and covering it with plastic wrap. The wrapped section should be kept moist and in a shaded area until roots develop, at which point the rooted section can be removed and planted in a pot or soil bed.
Overall, propagation of Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is possible through various methods, allowing for the successful cultivation of this plant species.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is a plant that is commonly found in African countries. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and survival. It is essential to know these diseases and pests and how to manage them to ensure that the plant thrives.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Strychnos albersii is anthracnose, which causes dark, water-soaked lesions on the leaves and stems, eventually leading to the death of the plant. It is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.
Another disease that affects the plant is powdery mildew, which is caused by the fungus Leveillula taurica. Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves and can affect plant growth and yield.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Strychnos albersii are mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Aphids are small, green insects that feed on the underside of the leaves and can cause curling of the leaves, stunted growth, and reduce yield. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die off.
To manage these pests, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil by spraying the plant and the soil around it. Additionally, you can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps, which feed on the pests and help control their population.
Disease Management
To manage anthracnose, you need to ensure that the plant is well-drained and not over-watered. Also, you can use fungicides such as copper sulfate or chlorothalonil to manage the disease.
To manage powdery mildew, ensure that there is proper air circulation around the plant, use resistant varieties, and spray with fungicides such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is essential to ensure that the plant thrives and yields. By identifying the diseases and pests and using appropriate management practices, you can keep the plant healthy and productive.
