Overview
Strychnos alnifolia Baker, also known as the "Monkey orange" is a plant species endemic to Africa. It belongs to the Loganiaceae family and is widely distributed in East, Central, and Southern Africa. The plant was named after Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer, a British botanist and director of the Royal Botanic Gardens.Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Monkey orange. The fruit of the plant is also called "chigumu" in Zambia and "matomoko" in Tanzania.Appearance
Strychnos alnifolia is a small tree that grows up to 10 meters tall. The leaves of the plant are deep green with a glossy surface and are 10-20 cm long. The flowers are small and green, and the fruit is an orange berry. The ripe fruit is roughly the size of an orange, and it has a hard outer shell, which offers excellent protection for the soft pulpy inner lining that encapsulates the seeds.Uses
The plant has numerous uses both medicinal and nutritional. The bark, roots, and leaves are used to make medicine that treats various ailments such as fever, toothache, and intestinal problems. The fruit has Vitamin C and is used for making juice, jam, and jelly in some African countries, and it can also be eaten raw. The seeds of the fruit are also edible after being roasted. The hard outer shell of the fruit is used to make crafts and tools in some African communities. The plant's wood is considered hard and durable and is suitable for making furniture and utensils. In conclusion, Strychnos alnifolia or the Monkey Orange is a versatile plant that is endemic to Africa. It provides medicinal and nutritional value while also serving social and economic purposes in some African communities.Light Requirements
Strychnos alnifolia Baker prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sun exposure, but it is best to provide protection during the hottest part of the day. Insufficient light can cause stunted growth and the plant may fail to flower.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. It can handle a slight drop in temperature, but it is sensitive to frost. If exposed to temperatures below 10°C, its growth can be significantly slowed down and may cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos alnifolia Baker prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. Avoid soils that are too compact or heavy, as they will limit the plant's root development and growth. Amending the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can help improve the soil's fertility and drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos alnifolia Baker is a small tropical tree that prefers to thrive in sandy or loamy soil with good drainage. When cultivating this plant, select a location with plenty of sunlight, preferably a place that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. The plant can grow in both acidic and neutral soils, but a pH of between 6 and 7.5 is ideal.
Plant your Strychnos alnifolia Baker in the ground or in a container that is large enough to accommodate its roots. The ideal time to plant is during the wet season, which is from May to August when the soil is moist. Water the plant regularly and avoid waterlogging which may cause root rot. The tree requires regular pruning to improve its general appearance.
Watering Needs
Water is essential for the growth and survival of Strychnos alnifolia Baker. The plant needs to be watered regularly, especially during the dry season when there is little rainfall. Watering should be done thoroughly, and it is advisable to water the plant in the morning to enable the leaves and stems to dry off before nightfall.
If the plant is grown in a container, the soil tends to dry out faster than in the ground, and it may require frequent watering. However, ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged as this may damage the roots.
Fertilization
To promote the growth and development of Strychnos alnifolia Baker, apply fertilizer during the growing season. The tree requires a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid using too much fertilizer as this may cause the leaves to turn yellow due to nutrient burn.
Organic fertilizer is an excellent choice as it improves the soil structure and provides slow-release nutrients that nourish the plant over an extended period. Apply the fertilizer once every two months during the growing season.
Pruning
Strychnos alnifolia Baker requires regular pruning to control its growth, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve its overall appearance. Pruning should be done during the wet season when the plant is actively growing.
When pruning, use sharp and clean tools to avoid tearing or crushing the branches. Start by cutting off any dead or diseased branches, then prune back the lateral branches to promote bushy growth. Remove any weak or crossing branches to improve airflow and light penetration to the center of the tree.
It is advisable to remove the suckers that grow around the base of the tree as they compete for nutrients with the main tree. Pruning also helps to control the size and shape of the tree, making it more manageable.
Propagation of Strychnos alnifolia Baker
Strychnos alnifolia Baker is a small tree that is native to Eastern and Southern Africa. It has several medicinal values and is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as malaria, toothache, and gonorrhea. Propagation of S. alnifolia is mainly done through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of S. alnifolia can be collected from the fruit when it ripens. The collected seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place until ready to plant. The seeds require a pre-treatment of scarification to help break their hard seed coat. Scarification can be achieved through soaking the seeds in hot water or dipping them in sulfuric acid. Once the seeds have been scarified, they should be planted in well-drained soil and covered lightly with soil. Watering should be done regularly, but care should be taken not to overwater since this can lead to the development of root rot.
Propagation through cuttings
Cuttings of S. alnifolia can be taken from the semi-hardwood of the plant during the early summer months. The cuttings should be about 15 centimeters long with at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower node should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting. After planting, the cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they have developed roots. The rooted cuttings should then be transplanted into larger containers and grown until they are large enough to be planted in the field.
Propagation through grafting
Grafting of S. alnifolia is mainly done to propagate selected cultivars with desirable traits. The rootstock is usually obtained from seedlings grown from seeds, while the scion is obtained from the selected cultivar. Both the rootstock and scion should be of the same diameter, and the grafting should be done during the early summer months. After grafting, the plant should be kept in a warm and humid environment until the graft union heals. Once the graft union has healed, the plant can be transplanted into the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos alnifolia Baker
Strychnos alnifolia Baker, also known as the Natal orange, is a small tree or shrub native to Africa. It is valued for its ornamental qualities and medicinal properties. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage if not managed effectively.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Strychnos alnifolia is root rot. This is a fungal disease that affects the roots, causing them to turn black and rot. This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage root rot, it is essential to ensure proper soil drainage by planting the tree in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. Additionally, infected plants should be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf spot is another common disease that affects Strychnos alnifolia. This fungal disease causes small, circular spots to appear on the leaves, which then turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, it is essential to remove and destroy infected leaves and maintain good hygiene practices in the garden.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that affect Strychnos alnifolia is the mealybug. These small insects are often found on the underside of leaves and around the stems of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and ultimately, death of the plant. To manage mealybugs, it is essential to use insecticides or natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
The whitefly is another common pest that affects Strychnos alnifolia. These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. Whiteflies also excrete a sugary substance known as honeydew, which attracts sooty mold and other pests to the plant. To manage whiteflies, it is essential to use insecticides or natural predators such as parasitic wasps and ladybugs.
Conclusion
Strychnos alnifolia is a valuable plant that requires proper care to prevent diseases and pests from causing harm. By employing good plant management practices such as maintaining good hygiene, providing adequate drainage, and using appropriate insecticides and natural predators, it is possible to keep the plant healthy and productive.
