Overview
Strychnos angolensis Gilg is a small tree native to tropical Africa. It belongs to the Loganiaceae family and is commonly known as the Natal orange or umsekane.
Appearance
The tree can grow up to 9 meters tall and has a dark-brown to black bark, which is smooth in young trees and scaly in mature ones. The leaves are glossy, leathery, and pointed, measuring between 7 and 15 cm in length and up to 8 cm in width. The Natal orange produces small, yellowish-white, and highly fragrant flowers that form clusters and bloom from October to November. The fruit is an orange-sized ellipsoid capsule that splits open to reveal numerous black seeds, which are surrounded by a bright-red aril.
Uses
Strychnos angolensis Gilg has traditional medicinal uses. The bark and roots contain alkaloids, such as strychnine and brucine, which have been used for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antidote properties. In sub-Saharan Africa, the tree is also used for spiritual and cultural purposes. The bright-red aril is occasionally eaten raw, but ingestion of the seed is known to be fatally toxic to humans and livestock due to the rapid action of the alkaloids on the central nervous system. The wood is dense and durable, making it valuable for furniture-making and construction.
Light Requirements
The plant Strychnos angolensis Gilg requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate moderate shade but excessive shade can negatively affect its growth. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in a location that receives direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Strychnos angolensis Gilg is between 18°C and 28°C. The plant can tolerate higher temperatures, but extreme heat can cause damage to the leaves and flowers. Frost and freezing temperatures can also be harmful to the plant and may cause it to die. Therefore, it is important to protect the plant from temperature extremes by either bringing it indoors or covering it with a protective cloth during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The plant Strychnos angolensis Gilg requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers moist soil, but it cannot tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the Strychnos angolensis Gilg in a pot with drainage holes to ensure excess water can drain away. Additionally, adding organic matter such as compost or manure can improve soil fertility and provide sufficient nutrients to support the plant's growth.
Cultivation methods
Strychnos angolensis Gilg, commonly known as the Natal orange or monkey orange, is a plant species native to southern Africa. It is a hardy tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a wide canopy. The tree can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and for cutting propagation, the cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting.
Watering needs
Strychnos angolensis Gilg has a moderate water requirement and should be watered regularly but should not be overwatered. The plant is drought-tolerant, but prolonged dry spells might affect its growth. During the growing season, the plant should be watered deeply once a week.
Fertilization
The plant requires a well-balanced fertilizer applied once a year in early spring. Organic fertilizers are recommended as they provide nutrients to the plant while improving the soil's health. Avoid overfertilization as it can damage the roots, and do not fertilize during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid damaging the plant. Remove dead and diseased branches to improve the tree's overall health and aesthetics. Also, prune any crossing branches that may rub against each other and cause damage. The tree's canopy can be kept at a manageable size by pruning the tips of the branches.
Propagation of Strychnos angolensis Gilg
Strychnos angolensis Gilg is a tropical plant that is predominantly found in Africa. It is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that grows up to 20 meters tall. The plant's bark and roots contain alkaloids that have medicinal properties, making it an important plant in traditional African medicine.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Strychnos angolensis Gilg is via seeds. The plant's fruit is a yellowish-green berry that contains one to four seeds. Collect ripe fruits from healthy plants and remove the pulp from the seeds. Then air dry the seeds for a few days in a warm and dry location before planting them.
Prepare a well-draining propagation medium that is enriched with organic matter. Sow the seeds in the medium at a depth of 1 to 2 cm and water them well. Keep the soil moist and warm with temperatures ranging from 20°C - 30°C.
Vegetative Propagation
The vegetative propagation of Strychnos angolensis Gilg is possible but not common because the plant does not produce suckers or shoots from the base. It can, however, be propagated by stem cuttings and air layering.
To propagate through stem cuttings, take a cutting of about 20 cm in length and remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining propagation medium. Keep the soil moist and provide the cutting with bright, indirect light and warm temperatures.
Air layering is another propagation method that involves taking a stem and creating a small wound on its bark. Apply rooting hormone to the exposed wound and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure it with tape. Roots will emerge from the wound and moss after a few weeks. Cut off the rooted stem and plant it in a separate pot.
In conclusion, Strychnos angolensis Gilg can be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering. With proper care and attention, the plant will grow and thrive, providing health benefits and beauty to any landscape.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos angolensis Gilg
Strychnos angolensis Gilg, also known as the Natal orange, is a deciduous tree that grows in Africa. The tree produces a bitter-tasting yellow fruit that is not commonly consumed by humans. However, the tree is valuable for its medicinal properties, as alkaloids extracted from the plant have been used to treat a variety of ailments.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Strychnos angolensis Gilg are fungal infections. The tree is particularly susceptible to root rot caused by Phytophthora fungi. Early symptoms of root rot include yellowing of the leaves and wilting. As the disease progresses, the tree may lose its branches and eventually die. Another fungal disease that can affect the tree is anthracnose, which causes leaf spots and premature leaf drop. Bacterial canker is also a concern, which causes cankerous growth and can lead to the death of the tree.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can attack Strychnos angolensis Gilg, including mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Mealybugs are particularly problematic, as they suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth. Scale insects can also weaken the plant by feeding on its sap. Finally, spider mites can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
Disease Management
The best way to manage fungal diseases is to practice good sanitation. Remove any fallen leaves and debris around the base of the tree to prevent the spread of spores. Additionally, avoid overwatering and ensure that the tree has good drainage. If root rot is suspected, consider using a fungicide treatment. Avoid over-application, as this may harm the tree's ability to uptake nutrients.
Pest Control
To control mealybugs and scale insects, introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings to the area. Alternatively, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Spider mites can be controlled with a neem oil spray, a strong jet of water, or predatory mites.
Overall, maintaining healthy soil and proper irrigation practices is key to preventing both pests and diseases from affecting Strychnos angolensis Gilg. Additionally, regular inspection of the plant for signs of infestation or disease can catch problems early and prevent them from spreading.
