The Plant Strychnos boonei De Wild.
Strychnos boonei De Wild., also known as the African milky mangrove, is a plant commonly found in the tropical regions of Africa. It belongs to the family Loganiaceae and is locally known by different names such as "Kadjor", "Asada", or "Ezeigbo".
Appearance
Strychnos boonei is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 20 meters tall. The bark is grayish-brown, and the stem contains a milky sap. The leaves are glossy, evergreen, and simple with an elliptical shape. They grow up to 17 cm in length and have a dark green color. The flowers are small, white, and have a sweet fragrance. The plant produces a berry-like fruit that is yellow or orange when ripe.
Uses
The plant has various medicinal and non-medicinal uses. The bark, roots, and seeds are used in traditional medicine for treating illnesses such as fever, malaria, and leprosy. The bark extract has also been used as a painkiller and muscle relaxant. The fruit is edible and has a sweet, sour taste. It is also used in the production of traditional medicine in some African countries. Additionally, the plant is used in reforestation efforts due to its ability to grow in saline soils and withstand flooding.
Light Requirements
Strychnos boonei De Wild. typically grows in areas with full or partial sunlight. However, it can also tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Generally, the plant requires at least six hours of sunlight a day to thrive and produce viable fruit.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. Nevertheless, it can tolerate cooler temperatures, but not below 15°C. Strychnos boonei De Wild. can withstand short periods of drought, but extended periods of dryness can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils, such as sandy or loamy textures, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. However, Strychnos boonei De Wild. can still grow in soils with higher or lower pH levels. It is also important to note that the plant requires adequate nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, for it to grow and produce fruits successfully.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos boonei De Wild. is a tropical plant that prefers well-drained soil with high organic matter content. The ideal temperature for its growth is between 25°C and 30°C, and it thrives in areas with high humidity. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. The propagation process should be done during the wet season for optimal results.
The plant needs to be placed in a position that gets abundant sunlight but preferably not direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. It also grows best in a sheltered location with access to a constant supply of moisture; this is because it is prone to water-stress and wilting which can lead to stunted growth.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is necessary for Strychnos boonei De Wild. The plant requires watering at least three times a week if the soil is not properly moistened. Watering should be done gradually, and one should strive to avoid excessive watering, which can cause root rot. The use of a readily accessible water source is essential to prevent the prolonged drying up of the soil and to maintain the required moisture level for optimum growth.
Fertilization
The use of organic fertilizers like decomposed manure or commercial organic fertilizers can enhance the growth of Strychnos boonei De Wild. However, young plants should not be fertilized until they are well-established. The application of fertilizers should be done occasionally and depending on the soil conditions. Nitrogenous fertilizers should be used in combination with other fertilizers like phosphorus and potassium to enhance the fruiting and flowering of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning can significantly improve the quality and quantity of the fruit produced by Strychnos boonei De Wild. Pruning should be carried out during the dry season, and all the fell parts should be burnt to avoid harboring disease-causing pathogens. The pruning should be done to remove dead or sickly branches and to train the plant's shape. The removal of competition for nutrients and sunlight enhances rapid growth, and proper spacing is necessary for optimum fruiting and flowering.
Propagation of Strychnos boonei De Wild.
Strychnos boonei De Wild is commonly known as African oak and it is a tropical perennial tree found in African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. It is a potential source of essential oil, timber, and medicinal compounds used for treating a range of illnesses including malaria, fever, and hypertension. The tree is propagated through two main methods which include:
Seeds propagation
Strychnos boonei De Wild. can be propagated through seeds which are collected from ripe fruits that have fallen off the tree. The collected seeds should be immediately dispersed or planted in a non-selective nursery. The nursery should be covered with a mulch layer of sawdust or other organic material that holds moisture, but it should still allow the penetration of sunlight. It takes approximately two to three weeks for the seeds to germinate, with the seedlings reaching a height of 60cm after six months of growth. The seedlings are then transferred to pots for further growth.
Vegetative propagation
Strychnos boonei De Wild. can also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from a mature tree and planting them in a nutrient-rich soil mixture. The cuttings should be obtained from mature branches that are free from pests and diseases. After planting, the cuttings should be watered regularly to maintain soil moisture. The plant should be regularly monitored for the appearance of new leaves, which indicates root growth. The success rate of this method is lower than that of seed propagation due to the sensitivity of the tree to stress generated by wounding and disruption of the bark.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos boonei De Wild.
Strychnos boonei De Wild., also known as the African prune, is a tree that produces edible fruits. As with any plant, this tree is susceptible to diseases and pests that can cause a decline in its health and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect S. boonei and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and can cause leaf spot, twig dieback, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, prune infected twigs and dispose of them properly. Apply a fungicide to protect healthy tissue.
2. Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can appear as white powdery growth on leaves. To control powdery mildew, prune infected leaves and maintain good air circulation around the tree. Apply a fungicide as necessary.
Pests
1. Fruit flies: These pests can damage the fruits of S. boonei and reduce yield. One method of control is to apply bait stations to attract and kill the fruit flies. Another method is to cover the fruits with bags or netting to prevent the flies from laying eggs.
2. Root-knot nematodes: These microscopic worms can damage the roots of S. boonei, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage root-knot nematodes, plant resistant varieties or use nematode-suppressing soil amendments.
3. Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the leaves of S. boonei, causing them to curl and yellow. To control aphids, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, or spray with an insecticidal soap.
By being vigilant for signs of disease and pests and taking appropriate management measures, the health and yield of S. boonei can be maintained or even increased.
