Description of Strychnos barteri Soler
Strychnos barteri Soler, also known as the Gambian bitter kola or Gabonese cola, is a plant species native to West and Central Africa. It is commonly found in the tropical rainforest regions of countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Angola.
Common Names
The Gambian bitter kola is referred to by different names in various African languages. In Nigeria, it is called "Orogbo" by the Yoruba tribe, while the Hausas call it "Namijin Gworo." The Igbos refer to it as "Akiilu" or "Akwa." The plant is also commonly known as "biteko" in Gabon, "mutondo" in Democratic Republic of Congo, and "mubilu" in Angola.
Uses
Different parts of the Gambian bitter kola have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. The seeds are known to have a bitter taste and are believed to have properties that aid digestion, stimulate appetite, and relieve constipation. They are also used to treat respiratory infections, menstrual pain, and fever. In addition, the seeds have been used as an aphrodisiac and to treat impotence. The bark and roots of the plant are used to treat malaria, toothache, and skin infections.
Apart from its medicinal uses, the Gambian bitter kola is also used in cultural and social events in some African communities. The seeds are often presented as gifts during weddings, naming ceremonies, and other celebrations.
General Appearance
Strychnos barteri Soler is a tall tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height. Its bark is rough and greyish-brown in color. The leaves are simple, alternate, and glossy, with a dark green color. The flowers are small and white, and are followed by large, round, brownish-green fruit capsules that contain up to six seeds. The seeds are oblong and have a hard brown coat that is covered by a white aril. The plant has a deep taproot and requires moist soil for growth.
Typical Growth Conditions of Strychnos barteri Soler.
Strychnos barteri Soler., commonly known as the Barter's wood-tasting apple, is a tropical plant that is indigenous to Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and Angola. It is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows up to 15m tall. The plant is renowned for its medicinal properties and its fruit is used in traditional medicine to treat snakebites, fever, and jaundice, among other ailments.
Light Requirements
Strychnos barteri Soler. requires plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to facilitate optimal growth and flowering. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the tree in an open area with ample sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos barteri Soler. grows best in warm tropical climates with temperatures that range between 20-35°C. The plant can tolerate high temperatures and humidity, but it cannot withstand frost or extreme cold. If planted in areas with a cooler climate, the tree must be shielded from cold winds and frost to prevent damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Barter's wood-tasting apple needs well-drained loamy or sandy soil to grow and thrive. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The tree can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including lateritic soils, clay loam, and sandy loam.
Overall, Strychnos barteri Soler. is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of environments. With the right growth conditions, the plant can produce fruit within three to four years of planting.
Cultivation
Strychnos barteri Soler., commonly known as the Bushman's poison or the Ivory Coast strychnine tree, is a small tree that can grow up to 6 meters in height. It is native to tropical West Africa and can be cultivated in warm and humid areas.
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It requires full sun exposure to thrive but can also tolerate some shade. Propagation can be done through seeds or stem cuttings, and the best time to plant is during the rainy season.
Watering Needs
Strychnos barteri Soler. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the plant should be watered deeply once a week. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering as the plant can be vulnerable to root rot.
It is recommended to avoid watering the plant during the late afternoon and evening as this can promote fungal diseases. Instead, it is best to water early in the morning.
Fertilization
The plant benefits from fertilization every two to three months during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is suitable for Strychnos barteri Soler. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant and water it well afterward.
Organic fertilizer such as compost or well-rotted manure can also be used, as it provides essential nutrients and promotes good soil health.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in maintaining the shape and size of Strychnos barteri Soler., especially in urban environments. It is recommended to prune during the dry season, and only dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed.
The tree should be pruned to an open, vase-like shape to reduce wind resistance and enhance light penetration. It is essential to sterilize pruning shears between cuts to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Strychnos barteri Soler.
Strychnos barteri Soler. is a flowering plant species native to West Africa. The plant is popularly propagated through seed, stem cutting, and grafting. However, propagating this plant can be quite challenging due to its slow growth rate and low germination rate.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Strychnos barteri Soler. is through seed. The seeds are usually collected from a matured fruit and soaked in water to soften the hard seed coat before planting in a nursery bed. The seeds should be sown immediately after soaking to avoid losing viability. The planting medium should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Alternatively, the seeds can also be directly planted in the field or pots. The seedlings will emerge after 1-3 months, and they can be transplanted into larger pots or the field after six months.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cutting is another method of propagating Strychnos barteri Soler. To propagate the plant using stem cuttings, a 15-20 cm long shoot with several leaves should be cut from the parent plant. The base of the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting in the soil or rooting medium. A well-draining rooting medium with high humidity should be used for planting the cuttings. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight until they have rooted. Rooting may take up to six months, after which the cuttings can be transplanted into pots or the field.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a propagation method that involves joining a stem or shoot of one plant onto the rootstock of another closely related plant. The grafting method is not commonly used for Strychnos barteri Soler. due to the low success rate. However, if done correctly, grafting can improve the plant's growth and yield rate. A scion from the desired plant is grafted onto the rootstock of a closely related plant. The grafted plant is then planted in a nursery bed, and the scion is allowed to grow into a new plant.
Overall, these propagation methods can be used to propagate Strychnos barteri Soler, and they all require proper care and management for successful establishment.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos barteri Soler.
Strychnos barteri Soler. is a medicinal plant that is commonly used for treating various ailments. Like other plants, it can be affected by several diseases and pests that can have adverse effects on its growth and development.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Strychnos barteri Soler. is root rot caused by soil-borne fungi such as Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., and Rhizoctonia spp. The symptoms of root rot include discolored roots, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage this disease, it is essential to practice good sanitation by removing infected plants and plant debris from the field. Also, avoid over-watering and ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Another disease that can affect Strychnos barteri Soler. is leaf spot caused by fungi such as Cercospora spp. and Phyllosticta spp. The symptoms include circular to irregular-shaped spots on the leaves, which may coalesce and cause defoliation. To manage this disease, it is crucial to remove infected leaves and maintain good air circulation to reduce humidity levels.
Common Pests
Strychnos barteri Soler. can also be affected by various pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and scales. These pests suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of leaves. To manage these pests, it is essential to monitor the plants regularly and use insecticides that target the specific pests without harming beneficial insects.
Trips and mites are other pests that can attack Strychnos barteri Soler. These pests cause yellowing and distortion of leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis and poor growth. To manage trips and mites, it is essential to use insecticidal soaps and oils that can suffocate the pests.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated pest management (IPM) involves the use of various techniques to manage pests, including biological, cultural, and chemical control. Employing IPM can help reduce the risk of pesticide resistance and promote the use of environmentally friendly pest management practices. For instance, planting pest-resistant varieties, pruning infested parts of the plant, and rotating crops can help manage pests and diseases.
In conclusion, Strychnos barteri Soler. is prone to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. However, implementing appropriate disease and pest management practices can help reduce the risk of infestation and promote healthy plant growth.
