Overview of Strychnos boonei De Wild:
Strychnos boonei De Wild., also known as the "African orange" or "Cullen orange," is a plant species that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to tropical Africa, specifically to the West African region. It has been widely used in various traditional African medicinal practices for its therapeutic benefits.
General Appearance of Strychnos boonei De Wild:
The Strychnos boonei De Wild. plant has a distinct appearance. It typically grows up to 10 meters in height, with a rounded crown and a greyish-brown bark that is relatively smooth with vertical fissures. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate-oblong in shape, measuring about 20cm long and 10cm wide. The plant bears fragrant flowers that are yellowish-white and tubular in shape. These flowers are followed by fruit that is green when young, turning yellow-orange when ripe, giving the plant its common names.
Common Names of Strychnos boonei De Wild:
Strychnos boonei De Wild. Goes by various local names depending on the country and tribe. The plant is known in Nigeria as "oroma" or "onura," in Sierra Leone as "cullen," and in Cote d'Ivoire as "ndjaman."
Uses of Strychnos boonei De Wild:
Strychnos boonei De Wild. has been widely used in traditional African medicine for centuries due to its various therapeutic benefits. The plant contains numerous alkaloids, mainly strychnine and brucine, which have been used in the treatment of various ailments, including fever, malaria, wounds, constipation, and infertility. The fruit of the plant is edible and has been used in food preparations, while the bark extract has also been used to make dye.
Light Requirements
Strychnos boonei De Wild. is a plant that prefers direct sunlight for optimal growth and development. It thrives in areas with plenty of sunshine throughout the day for photosynthesis and growth.
Temperature Preferences
The plant grows best in warm temperatures. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 18°C and a maximum of 35°C. Temperatures below 18°C can be detrimental to the growth of Strychnos boonei De Wild., leading to stunted growth or even death.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos boonei De Wild. thrives best in well-drained soils. It prefers loose and well-aerated soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can also grow in soils with low fertility, but the addition of organic matter can boost its growth.
Cultivation methods
Strychnos boonei De Wild., commonly known as the African snake tomato, is a plant that grows best in warm climates. It is recommended to plant the seeds in well-drained soil with long-term fertility. The depth of planting the seeds should be approximately twice the size of the seed. The plant grows best in full sunlight, but it also thrives in partial shades.
Watering needs
The African snake tomato requires regular watering to ensure its survival and growth. It is recommended to water the plant regularly but not to the point of waterlogging the soil. This plant responds well to high humidity. A set routine of twice a week watering during the dry season and once a week during the raining season can be used.
Fertilization
Strychnos boonei De Wild. grows best in soils that are rich in organic matter. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can be applied to the plant to ensure that it gets enough nutrients throughout its growth stages. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer can also be applied at the onset of the planting period to promote leafy growth.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to ensure the African snake tomato plant grows correctly. Dead, diseased, or weak branches should be removed immediately to avoid attracting pests or diseases. Pruning should also be done to prevent the plant from becoming too bushy or growing too tall, which can cause shading and reduce fruit production. To avoid shock to the plant, it is recommended to prune during the dry season when the plant has a lower risk of being infected.
Propagation of Strychnos boonei De Wild.
Strychnos boonei De Wild., also known as the African yellow-wood, is a tropical plant species that is predominantly found in the Central and West African regions. Propagation of the plant can be achieved through seeds, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds:
The most common propagation method for Strychnos boonei is through seeds. The plant produces fleshy fruit, which contains seeds. Once the fruit is ripe, it can be plucked from the plant, and the seeds can be extracted. The seeds should be cleaned, and the pulp should be removed, before sowing.
The seeds of Strychnos boonei have a hard seed coat, which can be scarred or scratched to aid in germination. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix, and kept moist. Germination typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, and the young seedlings should be transplanted into pots after they develop their first set of true leaves.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings:
Strychnos boonei can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the growing season – typically in spring or summer. The cuttings should be approximately 6 inches long, and they should be taken from the plant's woody stem.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone, and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be kept shaded until they begin to produce new growth. The new plants can be transplanted into pots or the ground once they have developed a good root system.
Propagation through Grafting:
Grafting is another method for propagating Strychnos boonei. This method involves joining a cutting from the plant with a hardy rootstock. Grafting is typically used to preserve the characteristics of the parent plant, or to accelerate growth.
The best time to graft Strychnos boonei is in spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. The rootstock should be about the same size as the cutting, and both should be cleaned and treated with rooting hormone.
The cutting should be grafted onto the rootstock using the cleft-grafting method, and the graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape. The newly grafted plant should be kept in a warm, humid environment until new growth appears. The plant can be transplanted once it has developed a strong root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos boonei De Wild.
Strychnos boonei De Wild., also known as the mouse button tree, is a tree species that is commonly found in West and Central Africa. Like most plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. However, with proper disease and pest management practices, it is possible to prevent or control the spread of these problems. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect S. boonei and suggested ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect S. boonei is anthracnose. This fungal disease causes the leaves and fruits of the plant to turn brown and eventually drop off. To manage anthracnose, it is important to keep the plant free of debris and to prune off any infected branches or fruits as soon as they are noticed. Also, avoid overwatering, especially during rainy seasons, and use a fungicide if necessary.
Another common disease that affects S. boonei is powdery mildew. This is characterized by a white powdery substance that covers the leaves of the plant, causing them to wither and die. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to ensure that there is good air circulation around the plant, and to avoid over-fertilizing. Removing infected parts of the plant and using a fungicide can also be effective.
Common Pests
S. boonei is also susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to different parts of the plant. One of the most common pests is the mealybug, small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, spraying the plant with a mixture of soap and water or insecticidal soap can be effective.
The scales are another pest that can affect S. boonei. The scales are small, oval-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and leaf yellowing. To manage the scales, use a horticultural oil spray. Insecticides can also be used if necessary.
In conclusion, disease, and pest management practices are essential to maintaining the productivity of S. boonei. By implementing the suggested practices, it is possible to prevent or control the spread of various diseases and pests that might affect the plant.
