General Description
Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. is a woody, climbing shrub that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It typically grows up to 20 meters high and has a grey-brown, scaly bark. The plant has large leaves that are simple, opposite, and shiny, with a length of 7-20 cm and a width of 3-8 cm. Its flowers are small, tubular, and typically white color.
Origin and Common Names
Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. is native to the tropical regions of Central and West Africa, where it is commonly known by the names Ngube, Banimbola, and Igwe. The plant prefers hot, humid, and tropical environments and can grow in both lowland and highland regions.
Uses
The bark and roots of Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments such as fever, malaria, and stomach disorders. The plant is a rich source of alkaloids, particularly strychnine, which has potent toxicological effects. Nowadays, it is used as a botanical insecticide for protecting against stored product pests and has also been tested for its antimicrobial activity.
Additionally, Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. is used in local communities for environmental conservation purposes. The plant has been found to be effective at soil erosion control due to its extensive root system. It is also used as a shade and windbreak tree on farms.
General Appearance
The Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. has a unique general appearance that sets it apart from other climbing shrubs. The plant has a thick, tough, and highly branched stem that is capable of growing up to 20 meters high, making it an ideal plant for climbing on other plants and structures. The plant's large, shiny leaves are green on top and paler underneath, and they have an ovate shape with a pointed tip. The Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. also produces small, white, tubular flowers that are clustered at the leaf axils to form a loose, open cluster.
Light Requirements
Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. grows well in full sunlight to partial shade. It needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive. In areas with high temperatures, it's recommended to provide partial shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent excessive evaporation.
Temperature Requirements
This plant has a high tolerance for heat and is suitable for warm to hot climates. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C can harm the plant's growth and development. In regions with cold winters, it's recommended to protect the plant from frost.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. can thrive in a range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter with a pH range between 5.0 to 6.5. The plant also requires good aeration to allow air to reach the roots. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil fertility and provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.
Cultivation of Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild.
Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. is commonly referred to as the Ivory Coast poisonwood. It is native to the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Nigeria. The plant thrives in tropical, humid climates, and it is a relatively easy plant to cultivate.
Watering Needs of Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild.
Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought. However, over-irrigation is not recommended, as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization of Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild.
This plant typically responds well to moderate to high levels of fertilization. The best fertilizers to use are those rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning of Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild.
Pruning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant. The best time to prune this plant is at the end of the dry season. The aim is to remove dead or diseased branches, and to promote branching and bushiness. It is advisable to use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to minimize damage to the plant.
Propagation of Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild.
Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild is a tropical tree native to Central and Western Africa. The plant's propagation is mainly by seeds and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds are collected when ripe and fleshy. The fleshy part of the fruit is removed, and the seeds are washed with clean water to remove any remaining flesh. The seeds are then air-dried for a few days and sown in prepared seedbeds. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and irrigated regularly.
Germination of Strychnos brevicymosa seeds occurs within 3-4 weeks, and the seedlings are transplanted into individual polythene bags. The seedlings are then nurtured under shade until they are established and grown enough to be planted at their permanent location.
Stem Cuttings Propagation
Propagation by stem cuttings is another method used to propagate Strychnos brevicymosa. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the early stage of the rainy season when the plant is actively growing.
The cutting should be 10-15cm long with at least two nodes, and the leaves should be removed from the lower node. The cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone and planted in sand or soil mixtures. The sand or soil must be kept moist for effective rooting.
The cuttings take about four weeks to develop roots, and they are transplanted to individual polythene bags and nurtured under shade for some time to become established before planting.
In conclusion, Strychnos brevicymosa can be propagated by seed and stem cuttings. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm, while stem cuttings should be about 10-15cm long with two nodes. Both seed and stem cuttings propagation methods should be done in a moist environment and nurtured under shade until they become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild.
Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. is a tropical plant native to Africa and commonly used for medicinal purposes. However, the plant is susceptible to various diseases and pest attacks that can adversely impact its growth and productivity. To prevent and manage these issues, appropriate disease and pest management techniques must be adopted.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. is powdery mildew. This fungal infection causes a white, powdery coating to develop on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. Another common disease is root rot, which is caused by the oomycete Phytophthora. Root rot causes the plant's roots to rot, resulting in stunted growth, discolored leaves, and eventually death.
Disease Management
To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to prune affected areas of the plant and dispose of them immediately. Additionally, fungicide applications can help to control the disease. For root rot, it is important to ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Fungicides can also be used to treat root rot, although preventative measures like using disease-resistant cultivars and sterilizing planting materials can be highly effective.
Common Pests
Mites, aphids, and whiteflies are common pests that can attack Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. Mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing discoloration, stunted growth, and deformation of leaves. Aphids and whiteflies also feed on the plant sap and can transmit viruses, leading to significant yield losses.
Pest Management
To manage mites, the use of appropriate acaricides or insecticides can be effective. Neem oil is a popular natural remedy that can be applied to deter pests. Additionally, maintaining appropriate levels of humidity and temperature can help to prevent mite infestations. Aphids and whiteflies can be controlled through the use of insecticides and the introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings. Setting up sticky traps can also help to monitor the pest population and control them before they reach damaging levels.
By implementing preventative measures and appropriate disease and pest management techniques, the health and productivity of Strychnos brevicymosa De Wild. can be ensured, allowing for optimal growth and yield.
