Overview of Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign. is a deciduous tree native to eastern and southeastern Africa. It is commonly known as the "monkey orange," "chichinga," or "muntingia." The tree belongs to the Strychnos family, which includes more than 200 species.
General appearance of the tree
The monkey orange tree can grow up to 20 meters tall, with a rounded canopy and smooth bark that can vary in color from gray to brown. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptic, about 4-15 cm long and 2-6.5 cm wide. The flowers are small and yellowish-white, and the fruit is a large, round, and yellowish-orange berry with a diameter of up to 15 cm, often covered with soft spines.
Traditional uses of the tree
The fruit of Strychnos angolensis var. lacourtiana has many traditional uses, including being consumed raw or cooked and being used for medicinal purposes. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients and has a sweet, tangy taste. The fruit's pulp can be eaten fresh, or it can be processed into juice, jams, or preserves.
In traditional medicine, the fruit and other parts of the tree have been used to treat various ailments, including stomach disorders, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The bark of the tree has been used to treat fever, malaria, and dysentery.
Conclusion
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign. is a useful and important tree in its native regions. It provides a source of food and medicine for many people and has great potential for further research and development. Its impressive size and distinctive fruit also make it a fascinating and unique tree to observe and study.
Growth Conditions of Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign. is a species of plant that is native to tropical regions of Africa. It is a tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a spread of about 6 meters. The species is known for its medicinal properties and is often used in traditional African medicine.
Light Requirements
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign. requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. In areas with high temperatures, it is best to give the plant some shade during the hottest parts of the day. The tree can grow well in both direct and indirect sunlight, but it prefers moderate amounts of light.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign. grows best in temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. The tree can tolerate high temperatures, but it may not grow as well in extremely hot climates. In areas with cooler temperatures, the tree may not grow as quickly. It is important to protect the tree from frosts as it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign. prefers well-drained, loamy soils that are rich in nutrients. The tree can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. It is important to avoid waterlogged soils as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign. is a tree species that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The plant prefers warm temperatures and can thrive in tropical regions. It requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. It can be propagated using seeds, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Watering Needs
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign. requires enough water to maintain its growth. It does not tolerate waterlogged soil and should be watered when the topsoil feels dry. During the dry season, the plant requires regular watering.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to attain optimal growth. Organic fertilizers are recommended, and they should be applied during the growing season. Nitrogen-based fertilizers promote vegetative growth, while phosphorous and potassium-based fertilizers promote flowering and fruiting. The recommended fertilizer ratio is 2:1:1 (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium).
Pruning
Pruning is vital for the development of the plant's structure and to ensure maximum production. Pruning should be done during the vegetative phase to remove the dead, damaged, or diseased branches. The plant should also be pruned to attain the desired shape. Pruning should also be done during the fruiting season to remove the excess fruit load to avoid breakage of the branches.
Propagation of Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign. can be propagated by both vegetative and seed propagation methods. The following are some of the propagation methods that can be used for this plant:
Seed Propagation
This plant produces seeds that can be used for propagation. To propagate the plant from seeds, the seedlings must be collected when they are fully matured. The collected seeds should be cleaned properly and sown in a well-prepared nursery bed. The nursery bed should be filled with a mixture of loam and sand or any other suitable medium. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm. After sowing, the nursery bed should be watered regularly to keep it moist. Germination should occur within 2-4 weeks depending on the environmental conditions. The seedlings should be kept in the nursery bed for about six months before they are transplanted into individual pots or in the field.
Vegetative Propagation
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign. can also be propagated by vegetative means such as stem cuttings, root cuttings, and air layering. These methods are preferred because they help to maintain the genetic characteristics of the parent plant.
Stem Cuttings - Healthy stem cuttings should be taken from the parent plant and preferably treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a pot or nursery bed with a suitable medium (loam and sand mixture) and kept moist. The cuttings should start developing roots within 3-6 weeks and can be transplanted into individual pots or the field after about six months.
Root Cuttings - Root cuttings can also be used to propagate the plant. Healthy roots with a diameter of about 1 cm should be cut and planted in a pot or nursery bed with suitable soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and should start developing shoots within six months.
Air Layering - Air layering is another vegetative propagation method that can be used for Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign. In this method, a branch of the parent plant is girdled and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound. The area is then covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped with a plastic film. Roots will start forming at the wound area in about 2-3 months and the newly developed plant can be detached from the parent plant and transplanted into pots or the field.
Disease Management
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana (De Wild.) P.A.Duvign. is a relatively resilient plant that is not often troubled by diseases. However, there are a few diseases that could affect the plant, and it's essential to be aware of them to nip any problems in the bud.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a commonly occurring fungal disease that manifests as brown or black spots on the leaves. This disease typically occurs during humid conditions and can result in severe defoliation, reducing plant vigor. To manage leaf spot, ensure that the plant is in a location that provides good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage while watering your plant. If you notice any infected leaves, remove them from the plant and dispose of them appropriately.
Root Rot
Root rot is another fungal disease that can affect Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana. Root rot symptoms include yellowing or browning of leaves, stunted growth, and root discoloration. This disease typically occurs because of overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil and be mindful not to overwater the plant.
Pest Management
Similar to diseases, pest infestations on Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. lacourtiana are not common. However, here are some pests that can cause damage to this plant.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap, causing discoloration of leaves and defoliation. These mites thrive in hot and dry environments. To manage spider mite infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Also, regularly misting your plant can help keep spider mites at bay since they prefer dry environments.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small and immobile pests that attach themselves to the plant and suck sap from it. This results in plant discoloration, stunted growth, and leaf drop. These insects are usually found on the undersides of leaves, so it's essential to check the leaves thoroughly. To manage Scale infestations, wipe the affected area with a solution of rubbing alcohol and water. Also, neem oil or insecticidal soaps with potassium salts of fatty acids can be effective treatments.
