Origin and Common Names
Strychnos angolensis Gilg is a tree species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is native to the tropical regions of Africa, specifically found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The common names of this plant widely vary from different regions. In Angola, it is known as "Mpopo," in Botswana "Motsintsila," and in Zimbabwe and South Africa, it is called "Umckatshane."Appearance
Strychnos angolensis is a perennial deciduous tree that can grow up to 8-10 meters tall. It has an erect and spreading crown and a smooth, gray-brown bark. The leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate, with a glossy green color and a velvety texture underneath. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and tubular, with a five-lobed calyx and corolla. The fruit is a berry, which is round and fleshy, and turns bright red or yellow when ripe.Uses
Strychnos angolensis Gilg has numerous medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The roots, bark, and leaves of this plant are commonly used to treat various ailments such as fever, gastrointestinal disorders, toothache, and snake bites. It is believed that the bark extract possesses antimalarial and antitumor properties and can also help in curing diarrhea and dysentery. Additionally, the seeds of the plant contain strychnine, which is a potent poison used for killing rodents and pests. However, the extract of Strychnos angolensis should be used with caution due to its toxicity. In Africa, the bark is used to make rope, nets, baskets, and other household items. The fruit pulp is edible, and locals utilize it to create a fermented alcoholic beverage.Light Requirements
Strychnos angolensis Gilg requires ample sunlight to grow well. It is a light-loving plant that thrives in well-lit areas. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight exposure is necessary for its growth. Insufficient light may lead to sparse foliage and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in warm temperatures. An average temperature range of 25-30°C is ideal for its growth. The minimum temperature required for its growth is 15°C, while the maximum limit is 35°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost, and exposure to freezing temperatures may lead to damage or death.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos angolensis Gilg prefers well-drained sandy soil that retains sufficient moisture. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH value ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It cannot tolerate water-logged soil or stagnant water, and soil with poor drainage can cause root rot. It is also essential to ensure that the soil has sufficient nutrients, and the use of organic fertilizers is highly recommended.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos angolensis Gilg, commonly known as the Natal orange, is a small evergreen tree that grows up to 5-8 meters tall. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of southern Africa and thrives in hot and humid conditions. The plant is easy to grow and can withstand drought, making it an excellent choice for home gardens.
The plant prefers well-draining soils, neutral to slightly acid with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be enriched with organic matter such as compost and manure. Sow the seeds 2-3 cm deep in the soil, and ensure that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination may take two to four weeks.
Watering Needs
Watering is a crucial aspect of Strychnos angolensis Gilg care. The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season and less frequent watering during the winter season. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as it may lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week and mulch the soil to retain moisture.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Strychnos angolensis Gilg is not necessary, as it can grow in poor soils. However, adding organic matter can significantly improve soil fertility and plant growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 during the growing season to promote growth and improve fruiting.
Pruning
Strychnos angolensis Gilg does not require heavy pruning, but regular pruning can help maintain the shape and size of the tree. Pruning can be done during the winter season by removing dead branches, suckers, and crossing branches. It is also recommended to remove any diseased or damaged branches to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Strychnos angolensis Gilg
Propagation of Strychnos angolensis Gilg can be done through two methods - seeds and vegetative propagation.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Strychnos angolensis Gilg can be obtained from mature fruits that have turned yellow and begun to split open. The seeds should be removed and cleaned before planting. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining pot filled with a mixture of sand, loam, and compost. The pot should be placed in a sunny location with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The seeds should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 4 to 8 weeks, and seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots once they attain sufficient size.
Propagation through Vegetative Means
Vegetative propagation methods, such as grafting, stem cuttings, and layering, can be employed to propagate Strychnos angolensis Gilg. Grafting is a reliable propagation method that involves joining a scion of the desired variety onto a rootstock of a closely related species. Stem cuttings can be taken from mature branches during the dormant season. The cutting should be approximately 30 cm long, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cutting should be treated with rooting hormone before being stuck into a pot filled with a well-draining medium. The pot should be placed in a shaded location with high humidity levels. Layering involves burying a portion of a mature branch into the soil and waiting for it to develop roots before separating it from the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos angolensis Gilg Plant
Strychnos angolensis Gilg, also known as the Natal orange or umsinsi, is a tree that belongs to the Loganiaceae family and is indigenous to Southern and Eastern Africa. The tree grows up to 25 meters tall and produces yellow or orange fruits that are approximately the size of a lemon. The tree is known for its medicinal properties, but it is also vulnerable to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect Strychnos angolensis Gilg and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases of Strychnos angolensis Gilg
Fungal Diseases: Fungal diseases are a common problem for Strychnos angolensis Gilg. Some of the common fungal diseases that can affect the plant are anthracnose, powdery mildew, and sooty mold. These diseases can cause leaf spots, fruit rot, and death of plant parts. To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain proper hygiene by pruning infected branches and dead leaves, removing affected fruits, and avoiding overhead watering.
Viral Diseases: Strychnos angolensis Gilg is also vulnerable to viral diseases such as mosaic and leaf curl virus. These viruses can cause chlorosis, stunted growth, and distortion of leaves and fruits. These viruses are usually spread by infected soil or plant debris. To avoid these viruses, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene in the orchard and remove infected plants.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial diseases like bacterial canker can cause cankers or sunken areas on the bark, which can eventually lead to the death of the plant. These diseases can be managed by removing infected branches and pruning during dry weather to avoid the spread of the disease. Applying copper-based fungicides can protect the plant against bacterial infection.
Common Pests of Strychnos angolensis Gilg
Fruit Flies: Fruit flies are a common pest that can damage the fruits of Strychnos angolensis Gilg. The flies lay eggs on the fruit, and the maggots feed on the pulp, causing it to rot. The best way to manage fruit flies is to use pheromone traps and insecticides that can control the adult flies and prevent them from laying eggs on the fruit.
Aphids: Aphids can suck sap from the leaves and fruits of Strychnos angolensis Gilg, causing leaf curling, stunted growth, and fruit deformation. Managing aphids can be done by using insecticidal soap or oil, which can suffocate the pests and prevent them from feeding on the plant.
Mites: Mites are tiny creatures that can cause damage to the leaves of Strychnos angolensis Gilg through their feeding activities. The damage can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Regularly washing the leaves with water and applying insecticidal soap can help control mites.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management is crucial in maintaining the health and yield of Strychnos angolensis Gilg. Regularly monitoring the tree, maintaining good hygiene, and applying the appropriate control measures can significantly reduce the risks of pest and disease attacks.
