Overview of Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign. is a small flowering plant that belongs to the Strychnos genus, which is known for its production of the powerful alkaloid strychnine. This plant variety is native to Angola and is commonly found in the southern regions of Africa.
Common Names
The plant is known by various common names, including the Angola wood, mukokoi, and umgangela. These names are derived from the regions in which the plant is found and the various indigenous languages spoken in those regions.
Appearance
The Angola wood plant is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. It has thick, glossy leaves that are green and leathery, with a round or oval shape. The plant produces small, white or yellowish flowers that are highly fragrant. The fruit of the Strychnos angolensis plant is a deep orange or red berry that contains the plant's seeds.
Uses
The Angola wood plant's bark and leaves contain several alkaloids, including strychnine, which are used in traditional medicine for various purposes. In some parts of Africa, the plant's bark and roots are used to treat fever, rheumatism and other inflammatory disorders, while its leaves are used as a poultice for wounds and skin infections. The bark and roots are also used to make a bitter tea that is said to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Additionally, the wood of the plant is used to make carvings and furniture due to its hard, durable nature.
Light Requirements
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign. is a plant that thrives best when exposed to full sunlight. The plant requires up to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. A lack of light can result in poor stem development, stunted growth and weak foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth and development of Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign. is between 18°C to 28°C. This plant can tolerate slight variations in temperature, but prolonged exposure to high or low temperatures can be detrimental and lead to chlorotic leaves and slowed growth.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign. thrives best in well-drained soils with high organic matter content. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with pH levels ranging between 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should also have good water-holding capacity to ensure that the roots are well hydrated but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid soils with high salinity levels as high soil salinity levels can negatively impact the growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation of Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign. is a tropical plant that grows best in warm climates with plenty of sunshine. The plant grows well in areas with well-draining soils, which are slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Propagation of the plant is primarily through seeds, which can be collected from mature fruits and soaked in water for a few days before sowing. The seeds should be planted in a well-prepared bed and covered with a thin layer of soil.
Watering Needs
Watering requirements for Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign. are moderate and should be done only when necessary. The plant should not be watered too frequently as it is intolerant of waterlogging. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and development. A well-balanced fertilizer, which contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, should be applied every two to three months. The amount of fertilizer to apply depends on the size and age of the plant.
The fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the base of the plant and watered in immediately afterward.
Pruning
Pruning of Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign. should be done during the active growth period to promote bushier growth and to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged parts of the plant. The plant should be pruned above the node to encourage new growth.
The pruning should be done with a sharp, clean tool to minimize damage to the plant, and the pruned parts should be disposed of safely to prevent the spread of diseases or pests.
Propagation of Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign., commonly known as the Natal orange, is a fruit-bearing evergreen tree that can propagate by both sexual and asexual means.
Seed propagation
The most common method used to propagate Strychnos angolensis is by germinating seeds. The seeds can be harvested from mature fruits that have fallen to the ground naturally or by handpicking the fruits from the tree when they are ripe. Once the fruits have been collected, the pulp should be removed and the seeds should be dried in the shade.
After drying, the seeds can be stored for up to 6 months before being used for propagation. To germinate the seeds, they must first be soaked in warm water for 24-48 hours. After soaking, the seeds should be planted in a pot containing a moist, well-drained soil mix. The pot should be placed in a warm, humid environment with temperatures between 25-30°C.
Germination can take up to 6 weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed enough leaves to handle. It is important to note that seed-propagated trees may not produce fruits identical to the parent tree.
Asexual propagation
Strychnos angolensis can also be propagated by asexual means, specifically through air layering or stem cuttings. Air layering is the process of inducing roots to form on a stem while it is still attached to the parent tree. This method ensures that the new tree retains the characteristics of the parent tree. The stem should be selected carefully, and a small section of the bark should be removed in the middle of the stem. This area should then be wrapped in damp sphagnum moss and covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to create a humid environment. Roots should develop within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots are established, the stem should be cut below the rooted section and planted in a pot.
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Strychnos angolensis. The cuttings should be taken from new growth on the parent tree during the growing season. The cutting should be between 10-20 cm long and should have a few nodes. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the bottom of the cutting should be coated in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm and humid environment with temperatures between 25-30°C.
Whichever method is used to propagate Strychnos angolensis, the young trees should be kept in partial shade and well watered until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign. is a shrub or small tree that is native to tropical Africa. While this plant is known for its medicinal properties, it is also vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: Fungal leaf spot on Strychnos angolensis occurs as small brown, circular or irregular spots. The disease can be prevented through proper sanitation practices, avoiding overhead irrigation, planting in well-draining soil, and avoiding overcrowding of plants. In cases where the disease is already present, remove the affected leaves and apply a fungicide to control its spread.
Rust: Rust appears as powdery orange spots on the undersides of leaves. This disease can be prevented by planting in a location with good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected plant material. If rust is present, apply a fungicide to control it.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf drop and stem dieback. It can be prevented by planting in well-drained soil, maintaining good sanitation practices, and avoiding overhead irrigation. If anthracnose is present, remove the affected plants and apply a fungicide to control its spread.
Pests
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause extensive damage to the plant by munching on the leaves. Handpicking is a natural way to control their population, but if their population is too high, you can use an insecticide or spray neem oil.
Borers: Borers can inflict massive damage to the stems and can lead to plant death. Inspect the base of the plant regularly and remove the affected area quickly. For severe infestations, apply an insecticide to protect the plant.
Aphids: Aphids can weaken plants by sucking their sap and transmitting diseases. You can control their population by washing them off with a strong stream of water or by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By proper disease and pest management, Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. latifolia P.A.Duvign. can thrive effectively and yield a productive harvest.
