General Appearance:
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. is a small tree or shrub belonging to the family Loganiaceae. It can grow up to a height of 5-10 meters, and the bark of the tree is dark greyish brown and rough to touch. The leaves of the tree are simple, alternate, and are usually elliptical or ovate in shape, with a glossy and dark green appearance.
Origin:
The plant is commonly found in the tropical regions of east Africa, specifically in Tanzania and Kenya. It is known to grow in submontane to a mountain forest at elevations of around 800 to 2400 meters above sea level.
Common Names:
The plant has several common names depending on the region it is grown in. In Kenya, it is commonly referred to as "Mkangazi," while in Tanzania, it is known as "Mlowe."
Uses:
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. has several uses. The roots, bark, and leaves of the plant contain alkaloids, which have medicinal properties. The plant has been traditionally used in Africa to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and respiratory infections. The bark of the tree is also used for making twine and rope, while the wood is used for making furniture and other household items. The plant is also known to have toxic properties and is sometimes used as a poison for controlling pests.
Growth Conditions of Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign., commonly known as the Tanganyika poison tree, is a small evergreen tree that is native to Africa. It belongs to the Loganiaceae family and can grow up to 10 meters in height, with a spread of up to 4 meters.
Light Requirements
This plant requires full sunlight to grow to its fullest potential. It can tolerate partial shade, but the growth rate slows down significantly. Therefore, it is crucial to plant this tree in an area that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. is suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. The plant thrives in warm temperatures, with an average temperature range of 20°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate winter weather with freezing temperatures and frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, such as sandy, loamy, or rocky soil, as long as it is well-draining. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5. It can also tolerate slightly acidic soil with a pH of up to 5.5.
In summary, to achieve optimal growth conditions for Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign., plant it in an area that receives full sunlight, in a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, and in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5.
Cultivation methods for Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. is a hardy plant that can grow in different soil types, including rocky, sandy, and loamy soils. The plant, however, prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter, with a pH level of around 6 to 7.
Before planting, it is crucial to prepare the soil by digging the planting holes to accommodate the root ball. You can add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to increase the organic matter content, which improves water retention and soil fertility.
The ideal location for planting Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. is an area with partial shade or full sunlight exposure, away from strong winds. If planting multiple plants, space them at least 2 to 3 meters apart to maximize growth and reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Watering needs for Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. requires moderate watering, especially during the hot and dry seasons. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils, so proper drainage is crucial.
You should water the plant deeply but less frequently to ensure the roots receive enough water. Allow the soil to dry partially before watering again to prevent root rot and other water-related problems. Water the plant at the base, avoiding the foliage to prevent fungal infections.
If planting the plant in containers, ensure the pot has sufficient drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out and avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization for Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign.
To ensure optimal growth and development, Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. requires regular fertilization. You can apply a slow-release nitrogen-based fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to promote vegetative growth.
Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure. Apply the fertilizer around the plant's drip line and mix it into the soil. Avoid getting the fertilizer in contact with the plant's stem or foliage as this may lead to leaf burn or other damages.
Pruning for Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. requires minimal pruning, mainly to maintain its shape and size. You can prune the plant during the dormant season (winter) when the plant is least active.
To prune, use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid spreading any diseases. Cut out the dead, diseased, or damaged branches, thin out any overgrowth and remove any crossing or rubbing branches.
Additionally, you can prune to encourage bushiness by cutting back the tip of the branches, which promotes branching and increases foliage density. Avoid excessive pruning as this may lead to stunted growth or even death of the plant.
Propagation methods of Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign., also known as Tanganyika orange, is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. This plant is native to eastern, central, and southern Africa and is commonly found in woodlands and thickets at elevations of up to 1,800 meters.
There are several methods of propagating Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign.:
1. Seed propagation:
One of the most common methods of propagating Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. is by seed. The seeds are harvested from mature fruits, preferably freshly fallen fruits to increase the chances of germination. The seeds are then soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat, which facilitates germination. After that, the seeds are sown in a well-draining potting mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. The container should be kept in a warm and humid place, and the soil should be kept moist. Germination can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
2. Cutting propagation:
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign., but it is less common than seed propagation. Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from the parent plant and treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and humid place. It is essential to keep the soil moist to prevent the cuttings from drying out. The cuttings should root within 4-5 weeks.
3. Grafting propagation:
Grafting propagation is a technique used to propagate Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. onto a rootstock. It is a common method for propagating fruit trees, but it can also be used for ornamental plants. In this method, a scion of the desired plant is grafted onto a rootstock of a closely related species. The graft union is then covered with a grafting tape to hold the two parts together. The grafted plant is then kept in a warm and humid place until the graft union has healed.
These are the most common methods of propagating Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and plant breeders must choose the most suitable method based on their specific needs.
Disease Management
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruit. To manage the disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, maintain good airflow around the plant, and apply fungicides.
- Bacterial blight: A bacterial disease that causes leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage the disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply copper-based fungicides.
- Root rot: A fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and root decay. To manage the disease, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Strychnos angolensis Gilg var. tanganykae P.A.Duvign. is also prone to pest infestations, including:
- Scales: Small, immobile insects that feed on plant sap and cause yellowing of leaves. To manage the pests, remove them manually or apply insecticides.
- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, causing curling and distortion of leaves. To manage the pests, remove them manually or apply insecticides.
- Spider mites: Tiny pests that suck on the plant sap, causing leaves to appear speckled or discolored. To manage the pests, improve humidity levels around the plant, apply insecticidal soap or oil, or introduce natural predators.
