Origin and Common Names
Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey, commonly known as Bakana or Bakango, is a tree found in the forested regions of West Africa, specifically in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Liberia. It is part of the Loganiaceae family, which includes species such as strychnine and curare.
Appearance
Bakana is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 25 meters high with a straight trunk that can reach up to 70 cm in diameter. The bark is grayish-brown and rough, while the leaves are dark green, simple, and oblong, measuring between 4 and 10 cm in length. The flowers are white and small, measuring around 1 cm in diameter. The fruit of the Bakana is a drupe, round or oblong, and measures 4 to 5 cm in diameter. The seeds are ovoid, measuring between 1.5 and 2 cm in length.
Uses
The bark, leaves, and seeds of the Bakana tree are widely used in traditional medicine for their various medicinal properties. The bark and seeds contain alkaloids such as strychnine, brucine, and vomicine, which have stimulant and toxic properties and can cause convulsions and paralysis in high doses. However, in small doses, these alkaloids are used to treat a range of illnesses such as fever, malaria, and respiratory conditions. The bark is also used to treat venereal diseases and as an aphrodisiac. The leaves are used to treat skin conditions and as a poultice for wounds and sores.
Light Requirements
Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey is a plant that requires full sunlight to flourish. They can be grown outdoors in areas that receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown indoors, ensure that the plant is placed in a bright location where it can receive adequate sunlight through a window.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey is between 18°C to 28°C. These plants are native to tropical regions of West Africa and can't withstand frost or cold temperatures. It is essential to maintain stable temperatures if grown indoors or in greenhouses.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey prefers well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5. They can grow in a wide variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as it's not too heavy or compact. Soil amendments such as compost, aged manure, and perlite can improve soil quality, enhancing plant growth and development.
Cultivation methods for Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey
Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey is native to West Africa, and it grows best in warm and humid conditions. The plant is known to thrive in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. If you are planning to cultivate Strychnos bakanko, it is advisable to start with seeds or young seedlings.
Since the plant prefers a warm environment, you can keep it indoors in a greenhouse. Alternatively, you can plant the seedlings outdoors in a shaded area. The plant requires sufficient space to grow, so you should allow a distance of at least 10 feet between two seedlings.
Watering needs
Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey requires moderate watering. The plant is drought-resistant, so you should not water it excessively. The frequency of watering will vary depending on the season and soil type. During the dry seasons, you may need to water the plant more frequently. On the other hand, during the rainy seasons, you may need to reduce the frequency of watering to prevent waterlogging.
It is advisable to water the plant in the morning or evening when temperatures are low to avoid scorching its leaves. Waterlogging can cause root rot, so you should ensure that the soil drains well.
Fertilization methods
Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey requires regular fertilization to enhance its growth and development. You can use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure to provide the plant with essential nutrients. It is advisable to apply the fertilizer during the rainy seasons or after watering the plant to prevent leaf burn.
You can use a complete fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the right proportions. It is advisable to follow the application instructions on the label of the fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential practice that helps to maintain the shape and size of Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey. You can prune the plant during the dry seasons when the plant is dormant. During pruning, you should remove damaged, diseased, or overgrown branches to promote healthy growth and development.
You can also shape the plant by cutting back branches that grow out of shape. It is advisable to use sharp and sterile pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases. You can also remove dead or yellow leaves to improve the appearance of the plant.
Propagation of Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey
Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. The propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method used for Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey. The seeds should be collected when they are ripe and sown immediately after collection. The seeds can be sown in seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining, fertile potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and kept moist until germination.
The germination of Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey seeds can be slow and erratic and can take up to several weeks. However, once the seedlings emerge, they grow vigorously and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method that can be used to propagate Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist until the cuttings root. Once the cuttings root, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
It is important to note that Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey is a tropical plant that requires warm and humid conditions for optimal growth and development. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the cuttings in a warm and humid environment until they establish roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey
Strychnos bakanko Bourquelet & Hérissey is a plant that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management is necessary to ensure its healthy growth and development. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect S. bakanko and their management:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes circular patches on leaves and fruits. Leaves may also fall prematurely. Management involves removing infected plant materials and using fungicides to control the disease.
Leaf spot: This is another fungal disease that causes small, circular lesions on leaves. The spots may coalesce and form large patches. To manage the disease, remove infected plant materials and use fungicides.
Root rot: This is a disease caused by fungal pathogens that attack the roots of the plant. It causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt. To manage the disease, ensure the soil is well-drained, avoid overwatering and use fungicides.
Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and deformed leaves. The management involves the use of insecticides, introducing natural predators, and removing the infested parts of the plant.
Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant, causing yellowing of leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage the infestation, use insecticides and maintain proper humidity levels in the plant’s surroundings.
Mealybugs: These are small, white insects that feed on the plant sap causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. They also excrete a sticky substance on the plant, leading to the growth of sooty mold. Management involves the use of insecticides and removing the infested parts of the plant.
Regular inspection and appropriate disease and pest management can help maintain the health and vigor of S. bakanko. It is also essential to maintain good cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilization, and appropriate soil drainage to prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests.
