Overview
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is a flowering plant species from the family Loganiaceae. It is native to Tanzania and found in the East African coastal forests and the Usambara and Uluguru Mountains.
Common Names
Strychnos albersii is commonly known as "Mhala wa mwilu" in Swahili.
Uses
The bark of Strychnos albersii is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach aches, diarrhea, and fever. The bark is also applied externally to treat skin rashes. Additionally, the plant is used as a source of traditional arrow poison. However, due to its high toxicity, it is not recommended for medical or other purposes.
General Appearance
Strychnos albersii is a shrub or tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with a smooth gray bark. The leaves are simple, opposite, and oval-shaped, measuring 9-20 cm in length and 5-14 cm in width. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, and tubular, and about 1.2 cm in diameter. The fruit is a large, round, woody capsule, measuring about 6-10 cm in diameter and containing numerous seeds.
The plant contains strychnine, a highly toxic alkaloid, which can cause severe poisoning and even death if ingested in large doses. Therefore, it should be handled with extreme caution and solely used for traditional purposes under the guidance of a trained medical practitioner.
Light Requirements
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse typically grow in partial shade to full sun. These plants prefer to receive plenty of direct sunlight during the day, but they can also grow well under filtered light. Inadequate light can cause the plants to grow slowly and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse grows well in warm to hot conditions, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C being ideal. These plants are not tolerant of frost and can quickly die if exposed to very low temperatures. The plant can survive in temperatures up to 35°C. High humidity can help to alleviate hot temperatures and promote healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
The Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse prefers well-drained, sandy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil must be rich in organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, to support healthy growth. These plants require a minimum of 5 hours of sunlight per day. It grows best in soils that are kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Proper irrigation and drainage are crucial to the plant's growth.
Cultivation methods
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is a hardy plant that can grow both indoors and outdoors. It typically grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. When planting this plant outdoors, it is important to choose a spot that is well-drained and has enough sunlight. If planting indoors, place it in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
Watering needs
Proper watering is essential for the survival and growth of Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse. It is recommended to water the plant once a week during the summer and spring, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the winter, reduce water to every two weeks.
Fertilization
While Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse does not require frequent fertilizer applications, it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK ratio. Fertilize in the spring and summer, and reduce or avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter. Over-fertilization can lead to leaf burn and plant stress.
Pruning
Regular pruning can help promote bushier growth and a more pleasing shape for Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse. Prune any dead or damaged branches as soon as possible. To encourage fuller growth, pinch off the tips of new shoots. For more drastic pruning, wait until the end of winter or the beginning of spring.
Propagation of Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is a rare and endangered African plant species that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is a slow-growing shrub or small tree that is native to the coastal forests of Kenya and Tanzania. The plant has medicinal properties, and its bark is used to treat various ailments, such as fever and malaria. The propagation of S. albersii can be achieved through two methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The seeds of S. albersii are the primary method of propagation. They are collected from the ripe fruit, which is a green, round, and fleshy berry-like structure. The fruit has a hard, woody shell enclosing the seeds. The seeds are extracted by cracking open the fruit and removing the pulp and shell.
The extracted seeds are then scarified to break their hard outer coating, which allows water to penetrate and initiate germination. Scarification can be achieved by soaking the seeds in hot water for 24 hours or by rubbing them with sandpaper. Once the seeds have been scarified, they are sown in a well-draining potting mix, covered with a light layer of soil, and watered.
The seedlings will emerge within 2-6 weeks, and they should be kept in a warm, humid, and well-lit environment. After 3-6 months, the seedlings will be ready for transplants into larger pots or the ground. S. albersii seedlings require regular watering, fertilization, and protection from pests and diseases.
Cutting Propagation
Another method of propagating S. albersii is through cutting. This method involves cutting a stem from the mother plant, treating it with rooting hormone, and planting it in a well-draining soil mix. Cuttings are taken during the growing season, and the best time to take cuttings is in the morning when the plant is well-hydrated.
The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be reduced in size. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining medium such as perlite or sand. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid, and well-lit environment and regularly watered.
After 2-3 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can then be transplanted into larger pots or the ground. Cutting propagation is a quicker method of propagation than seed propagation, but it is less reliable.
Disease Management
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse may be affected by several diseases. One such disease is powdery mildew. It is characterized by the appearance of white powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure proper air circulation around the plant by spacing them adequately. Also, the use of fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil can help control the spread of powdery mildew.
Another disease that may affect Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is anthracnose. Symptoms of anthracnose include brown or black spots that appear on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove any infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. In addition, it may be necessary to use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Root rot is another disease that may affect Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse. This disease causes the roots of the plant to deteriorate, leading to the death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and not overwatered. In addition, it may be necessary to use a biological fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse may also be affected by several pests. One such pest is the mealybug. Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the sap of the plant. To manage mealybugs, it is important to remove them by hand or with the use of a strong jet of water. In addition, it may be necessary to use an insecticide to control their spread.
Another pest that may affect Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse is the thrips. These are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage thrips, it may be necessary to use an insecticide that is specifically designed to control them. In addition, it is essential to keep the plant adequately fertilized and watered to prevent thrips infestation.
The spider mite is another pest that can affect Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse. These are small arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and eventual death of the foliage. To manage spider mites, it may be necessary to use a miticide. However, it is essential to ensure that the miticide used will not harm beneficial insects or cause resistance to the miticide.
Overall, proper plant care practices such as adequate watering and fertilization, proper spacing, and regular inspection of the plant can help prevent the spread of diseases and pests that may affect Strychnos albersii Gilg & Busse.
