Origin
Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb. is a plant species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. This plant is native to Southern Africa.
Common Names
Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb. goes by various common names, including the bushveld orange, sepoko (in Setswana), umdungula (in isiZulu), and mukhuwu (in Xitsonga).
Uses
Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb. has various medicinal uses. The plant is used in traditional medicines to treat inflammation, fever, stomach ailments, and kidney diseases. In some areas, the roots of the plant are used to treat snake bites. The plant's fruits are also edible and have a tangy taste and are rich in Vitamin C.
General Appearance
Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb. is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 4-8 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 30 cm. The tree has a dense, dark-green crown, and its bark is grayish-brown with a rough texture. The leaves of the plant are simple, alternate, and ovate to elliptic in shape, with a dark green coloration. The plant produces yellowish-green flowers, and its fruits are round, fleshy, and roughly the size of a golf ball. The fruit is orange in color and has a rough texture. The seeds of the plant are flattened and have a hairy coating, and are dispersed by birds and other animals.
Light Requirements
Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb. thrives in bright light or full sun exposure. It is recommended to keep the plant in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day to promote healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and can grow well in a range of temperatures from 20-35°C (68-95°F). It is a tropical plant and cannot withstand cold temperatures. If the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F), the plant can experience stunted growth or even die.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb. grows well in well-draining and fertile soils. The soil should be loamy and rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It is recommended to avoid waterlogged soil as it can cause root rot, which can harm the plant.
Cultivation of Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb.
Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb. is a tropical and subtropical plant, making it best suited for warm and humid climates. It grows well in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Ideally, the soil pH should be slightly acidic at around 6.0 to 6.5.
The plant prefers a partially shaded environment, protected from hot and direct sunlight. However, it can withstand full sun exposure provided that the soil remains moist and well-drained.
Watering Needs
Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb. requires moderate watering. Avoid flooding or over-watering the plant as it can cause root rot. It is best to keep the soil consistently moist by watering it deeply once or twice a week, depending on the temperature and soil moisture. During the rainy season, it is best to cut back on watering.
Fertilization
It is important to fertilize Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb. frequently during the growing season to promote lush foliage and healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every four to six weeks, following the recommended dosage instructions. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb. regularly promotes a bushier and more compact plant. Prune the plant in early spring or after the fruiting period to remove any dead or damaged branches. Also, trim back any overgrown branches to maintain its shape and size. You can also prune the plant to encourage new growth and branching. Avoid pruning during the dormant season.
Propagation of Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb.
Strychnos campicola, commonly known as the monkey orange, is a tree that is native to tropical Africa. The tree has a variety of medicinal uses and is also used for timber and fuel. Propagation of S. campicola is commonly done through seeds or cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of S. campicola are large and can be directly sown in the soil, or started in containers filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be soaked in water for a few hours before planting, which softens the seed coat and encourages germination. Depending on the conditions, germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Once the seeds have sprouted, they should be transplanted to a larger container or directly planted into the ground. The young plants should be watered regularly and protected from direct sunlight until they become established.
Cutting Propagation
Straight stem cuttings can also be used to propagate S. campicola, typically taken from the current season’s growth. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone to increase the likelihood of successful propagation.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix, and kept out of direct sunlight while they develop roots. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to a larger container or directly planted into the ground.
It is important to note that S. campicola is a slow-growing tree, and it may take several years before the tree reaches maturity. Proper care and attention during the early stages of growth are crucial for successful propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb.
Strychnos campicola Gilg ex Leeuwenb., also known as the African plant, belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is a tropical plant that has gained attention for its medicinal properties. While it is generally a hardy plant, it can still be affected by both pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to look out for as well as ways to manage them.
Diseases:
Leaf Spot: This is a common disease that is caused by the fungus, Phyllosticta spp. It is characterized by the presence of numerous circular spots that appear yellow and later turn reddish-brown. Leaf spot will weaken the plant leading to defoliation, and eventually, death. The best way to manage this disease is through the use of fungicides. Fungicides like copper fungicides and azoxystrobin work best in managing leaf spots.
Canker Disease: This is another disease that affects Strychnos campicola. It is caused by the fungus, Botryodiplodia theobromae. Canker appears as sunken areas on the bark, and it eventually oozes a white sap. If not treated early, it can cause extensive damage leading to plant death. The most effective control method is pruning and destroying contaminated plant parts. Fungicides may also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests:
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are tiny insects that are covered with powdery wax. They cause damage to the plant by feeding on its sap. Mealybugs leave a white powdery substance on the leaves reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, making it weak. The best way to control mealybugs is by using a systemic insecticide. Regular inspection of the plant is also essential in catching them early.
Termites: Termites are wood-feeding insects that can cause extensive damage to the plant. They feed on woody tissues of the plant and can cause it to weaken and eventually die. To manage termites, a soil termiticide is applied around the plant or by injecting insecticides into the termite nest.
Overall, maintaining proper hygiene practices and frequent inspections of the plant are necessary for proper disease and pest management. Early intervention is always the most effective way of controlling diseases and pests. Follow the appropriate application rates when applying pesticides, and remember to always wear personal protective equipment when handling pesticides.
