Description of Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse
Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse, commonly known as ciliicalyx, is a perennial tree species belonging to the family Loganiaceae. The plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa and is often found in Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
General Appearance
The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and 50 cm in diameter. It has a straight and cylindrical trunk, with a smooth and light-grey bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate, measuring between 5 to 15 cm in length and 3 to 7 cm in width. Ciliicalyx produces white flowers that are approximately 1 cm in length, and its fruit is an oblong-shaped capsule, measuring up to 7 cm in length and 3 cm in diameter.
Common Uses
The tree is a rich source of various chemical compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which hold great medicinal and industrial significance. The bark, fruit, and roots of ciliicalyx have been extensively used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, toothache, snakebite, and malaria. The seeds of the plant contain strychnine, a highly toxic chemical that has been used as a rodenticide, avicide, and a stimulant in small doses.
In addition to its medicinal properties, ciliicalyx also has various industrial applications. The bark of the tree is a rich source of tannins used in leather and textile industries for dyeing and tanning purposes. The fruit of ciliicalyx is also used to produce edible oil-rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining good health.
Growth Conditions of Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse
Light: Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse requires partial shade to full sun to grow properly. It thrives in bright, filtered light that is not too harsh. Direct sunlight can sometimes lead to scorching on the leaves of the plant and affect its growth.
Temperature: The ideal temperature range for the growth of Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse is between 20°C and 30°C (68°F and 86°F). It can tolerate lower temperatures, but extreme cold or frost can be detrimental to the plant. Similarly, high temperatures above 35°C (95°F) can adversely affect the plant.
Soil: Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows well in acidic to slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can lead to root rot and hinder the growth of the plant.
Fertilizer: Regular fertilization is essential for the proper growth and development of Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse. Apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, preferably in the spring and summer months. Alternatively, use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Water: Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top layer of soil has dried out but avoid overwatering as it can harm the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse, commonly known as the "spiny monkey orange," is a tropical plant native to Africa's forests. It requires a warm, humid climate to thrive, meaning that it grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. If you live in a colder area, you may need to grow the plant indoors in a greenhouse or conservatory to maintain the ideal temperature range.
The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil to promote growth. When planting, create a hole that's at least twice as big as the root ball to accommodate growth. Ensure that the roots are well-covered with soil and that the plant is stable in its new location.
Watering Needs
Strychnos ciliicalyx requires consistent, evenly spaced watering to grow well. The plant's ideal conditions are moist but not waterlogged soil. Water the plant once a week only during dry periods, ensuring that the soil is sufficiently wet but not soggy. It is essential to water the plant at its base to prevent leaf damage caused by wetting the foliage.
Fertilization
Since Strychnos ciliicalyx is a tropical plant, it has high nutrient requirements compared to other plants. Therefore, regular fertilization is necessary to promote growth. Fertilize the plant every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant instead of on the foliage to prevent the leaves from burning.
In addition, a slow-release fertilizer can be mixed with compost and applied as mulch around the plant to provide additional nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the plant's shape, promoting new growth, and preventing disease. Prune the plant during the winter's dormant season, but avoid cutting back more than 1/3 of the plant's height. Trim away any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, making cuts just above the nearest bud or shoot.
However, avoid pruning the plant in the summer or spring when it's growing actively. Cutting it at this time can cause tremendous stress to the plant, preventing it from achieving optimal growth.
Propagation of Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse
Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse is a woody perennial plant native to various parts of Africa. It is commonly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seeds from ripe fruits are collected and cleaned. They are then sown in seedbeds or pots filled with well-draining soil. The seedbeds or pots are kept moist and placed in a warm area with filtered sunlight. Germination usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Softwood cuttings from young and healthy plants can be taken in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 15 cm (6 inches) long with 2-3 pairs of leaves. The lower leaves are removed and the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. The soil is kept moist and the cuttings are shaded for the first few weeks. After about 2-3 months, the cuttings have developed enough roots to be transplanted into individual pots.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagation and is typically used for commercial production. It involves grafting a scion from a desired cultivar onto a rootstock from a related species. The scion and rootstock are joined together and wrapped with grafting tape or parafilm to hold them in place. The grafted plant is then placed in a humid environment until the graft union has formed and the plant is ready to be transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse
Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse, commonly known as the smooth-fruited Poison-pear, is a plant species found in different parts of Africa. Like any other plant, it can be affected by pests and diseases that could render it unproductive or even die. Here are the most common diseases and pests that can attack the plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and fruits of Strychnos ciliicalyx. It causes the leaves to have brown spots, eventually leading to defoliation and fruit rot. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant has proper drainage and avoid overhead watering. If the disease is severe, apply copper-based fungicides at the recommended rates.
Rust: This disease is characterized by brown, dusty spores on the undersides of leaves. It also causes yellow spots on the leaves, which eventually become holes. Rust is caused by different fungi, and it can easily spread to other plants. To manage rust, prune affected leaves or plants, use fungicides, and avoid overcrowding plants.
Cercospora Leaf Spot: This disease manifests as small, gray spots on leaves that eventually turn brown. The infected leaves may fall off, and the disease can lead to loss of yield. To manage Cercospora leaf spot, ensure proper air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering. Use chemical control measures such as fungicides when the disease is severe.
Pests
Fruit Fly: Fruit flies are small insects that feed on fruits, causing fruit drop and economic losses in yield. To manage fruit flies, remove and destroy infested fruits, use insecticides or traps, and avoid planting the crop near other crops that are susceptible to fruit flies.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, white insects that feed on leaves and excrete white, sticky substances that attract ants and cause mold growth. They weaken the plant by sucking sap, causing yellowing and falling of leaves. To manage whiteflies, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs, and avoid overcrowding plants.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on leaves, fruits, and stems, causing extensive damage to the plant and reducing yields. To manage caterpillars, remove and destroy the infected parts, use biological control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), and avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that can kill beneficial insects.
In conclusion, managing pest and diseases is vital in ensuring that Strychnos ciliicalyx Gilg & Busse remains productive and yields good harvests. Combining various management practices such as cultural, physical, biological, and chemical control measures provides a sustainable and eco-friendly approach in protecting and maintaining the plant's health.
