Overview
Strychnos buettneri Gilg is an evergreen shrub belonging to the family Loganiaceae. This plant is well-known for its medicinal properties and is indigenous to West Africa. It is commonly referred to as Bitter Strychnos or Kirmizi Kabugukus in local languages.
Appearance
The plant stands at an average height of 3.5 meters and has a bark that is well-known for its bitter taste. The bark and leaves of the S. buettneri plant have a yellowish-green coloration that is slightly glossy. The leaves are arranged alternately, and their shape is ovate. The flowers of the plant bloom during the fall season and are small white tubular structures that are approximately 1 centimeter in diameter.
Uses
Strychnos buettneri Gilg is a plant of high medicinal importance in West Africa. The plant has been used traditionally by local communities to treat different ailments such as malaria, hypertension, and even snake bites. The bark of the plant contains several alkaloids, including strychnine and brucine, which have been found to be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases. In addition, the plant's bark is known to be an excellent appetite stimulant and has been used to treat anorexia in children.
The plant is also used in various religious and cultural ceremonies. In Ghana, for example, the bark of the S. buettneri plant is used in the preparation of a drink called "Ampe," which is used during traditional ceremonies. The bark is also used to induce visions during spiritual practices.
Cultivation
Strychnos buettneri Gilg thrives in tropical rainforests and is commonly found in West Africa, particularly in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Gambia. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings and requires a specific set of environmental conditions to thrive. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. The plant requires a high level of sunlight and should be grown in areas that receive up to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
Light Requirements
Strychnos buettneri Gilg typically prefers full sunlight exposure to thrive. They can grow adequately in partial shade, but the plant may not reach its full potential in terms of growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Strychnos buettneri Gilg growth is between 20°C and 30°C, with an average of around 25°C. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C but may exhibit stunted growth at such conditions. However, if temperatures rise above 35°C, the plant may experience leaf drop, stunted growth or even die.
Soil Requirements
The Strychnos buettneri Gilg plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Sandy loam soil is the preferred type as it retains enough moisture while still allowing for good drainage. The plant can tolerate slightly alkaline soil but may require a mix of sand or other soil amendment to improve soil drainage.
Cultivation Methods for Strychnos buettneri Gilg
Strychnos buettneri Gilg is a perennial plant that grows in tropical areas and is suitable for cultivation in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11. The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. It thrives in full to partial sunlight and should be protected from frost during the winter months.
Propagation of Strychnos buettneri Gilg can be done through seed or vegetative cuttings. To plant, create a hole in the soil that is twice the size of the root ball. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Water it immediately and keep the soil moist until the plant becomes established.
Watering Requirements
Proper watering is essential for the growth of Strychnos buettneri Gilg. The plant requires moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogging. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant period. Check the soil moisture frequently and adjust watering as needed.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the growth and development of Strychnos buettneri Gilg. Apply a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 before the growing season and repeat every two weeks during the growing period. Use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure that release nutrients slowly and improve soil structure.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of Strychnos buettneri Gilg and to promote growth. Prune the plant during the dormant period by removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Thin out the crowded branches and remove suckers that grow from the base of the plant. Pinch back the tips of the side shoots to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Strychnos buettneri Gilg
Strychnos buettneri Gilg can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods. The choice of propagation method depends on the availability of seeds, the desired number of plants, and the time required to produce mature plants.
Sexual propagation:
The primary method of sexual propagation for Strychnos buettneri Gilg is through seeds. Seeds should be collected from mature fruits, which are usually ripe between August and November. After collection, the seeds should be cleaned and stored in a dry and cool environment until planting. Since the seeds have a hard outer coating, they should undergo scarification to increase the germination rate. The easiest way to do this is by using sandpaper to remove some parts of the seed coating, which will allow water absorption and faster germination. The seeds can then be planted in a well-draining seedling mix, barely covered with soil, and kept in a warm and humid environment until germination begins.
Asexual propagation:
Strychnos buettneri Gilg can also be propagated asexually by cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Cuttings: Cuttings should be taken from mature healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 6-10 inches long and contain at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be stripped, making sure the cutting remains hydrated. The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in propagation trays with a well-draining soil mixture. The trays should be kept in a warm and humid environment, and misted regularly until roots appear.
Layering: Layering involves burying a part of a healthy parent plant to induce new roots. To propagate Strychnos buettneri Gilg through layering, a young and flexible branch should be chosen and partially buried in a separate pot, keeping the top half exposed. The buried section should be nicked or scraped to encourage root growth. The branch should be left to grow, and sufficient water and nutrients supplied until it develops roots and can be detached from the parent plant.
Grafting: Grafting is an efficient way to propagate Strychnos buettneri Gilg and maintain desirable characteristics. It involves joining a compatible rootstock and scion tissue. Rootstocks for Strychnos buettneri Gilg can be sourced from closely related species like S. nux-vomica, and the scion tissue should be collected from the desired plant. The scion should be cut diagonally and matched with the rootstock. The grafted plants should be kept in a warm and humid environment and monitored regularly for any signs of infection or graft rejection.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos buettneri Gilg
Strychnos buettneri Gilg is a tropical plant that belongs to the Loganiaceae family and is native to central and eastern Africa. This plant has several medicinal uses, including antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. However, several diseases and pests affect the plant, leading to significant damage and yield losses. Here are some common diseases and pests of S. buettneri and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot Disease: This disease appears as small, circular, water-soaked spots on the leaves, which turn grey or brown over time. The spots may merge, leading to large leaf blight, and the plants may defoliate. To manage the disease, you must remove the infected plant parts and apply a copper-based fungicide.
Bacterial Wilt Disease: This disease causes sudden wilting of the leaves and shoots, and the plant eventually dies. The disease spreads rapidly, and the infected plants should be uprooted and destroyed. The bacterial wilt disease has no control methods other than the adoption of effective crop rotation techniques.
Root Rot Disease: This disease is caused by several soil-borne fungal pathogens and leads to the rotting of the roots. The plants may show stunted growth or even die. To manage the disease, avoid waterlogging or overwatering and use well-drained soil. Fungicides may also be useful in controlling fungal growth.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These pests are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth. They may also spin webs on the leaves and branches. To manage spider mites, release biological control agents like predatory mites. Also, avoid overfertilization or overwatering, which can increase the pest population.
Mealybugs: These are sucking pests that appear as white cottony masses on the stems and leaves. They weaken the plants, leading to yellowing, stunted growth, and poor yields. To manage the pest, remove the infected part of the plant, and apply insecticidal soap or oil to control the spread.
Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves, shoots, and fruits, leading to significant damage. They may also attract other pests and diseases to the plant. To manage caterpillar infestation, handpick the insects or use organic pesticides.
In conclusion, the effective management of pests and diseases is vital to ensure the optimal growth and yield of Strychnos buettneri Gilg. Proper cultural practices, such as crop rotation, regular pruning, and effective watering practices, can also help promote plant health and reduce the incidence of diseases and pests.
