Overview
Strychnos cinnabarina Gilg ex Hutch. & Dalziel var. ctenotricha P.A.Duvign. is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is commonly known as Red-twig Dogbane and is mostly found in the West African countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
General Appearance
The Red-twig Dogbane tree is known for its beautiful appearance. It can grow up to a height of 20m tall with a straight trunk and a crown that typically spreads outwards. The bark is smooth, with a reddish-brown color that peels in small flakes, revealing a light brown texture underneath.
The leaves are simple, glossy and dark green in color with prominent veins, arranged oppositely along the stem. The flowers of Strychnos cinnabarina are small and creamy white arranged in clusters, while the fruits are globular berries maturely colored orange.
Uses
The Red-twig Dogbane is used extensively in traditional African medicine for treating various ailments. The plant contains various alkaloids that have toxic effects on the central nervous system when consumed in large doses. In limited or controlled doses, however, the plant is known to have therapeutic effects such as serving as a potent contraceptive, an antispasmodic, and an antipyretic.
The bark is used in the tanning industry and makes a reddish-brown dye. In addition, the wood of the tree is hard, dense, and durable and is used in building, furniture making as well as carving.
Conclusion
The Red-twig Dogbane is a visually stunning tree that has numerous therapeutic and commercial uses. Its importance in traditional African medicine cannot be overemphasized, and although it carries toxic alkaloids, it is a vital part of the traditional African healing process.
Growth Conditions for Strychnos cinnabarina Gilg ex Hutch. & Dalziel var. ctenotricha P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos cinnabarina Gilg ex Hutch. & Dalziel var. ctenotricha P.A.Duvign., commonly known as the red fruit Strychnos, is a species of flowering plants found in West Africa. This species of Strychnos requires specific growth conditions for optimal growth and fruit production.
Light Requirements
The red fruit Strychnos prefers an abundant amount of sunlight for proper growth and fruit development. As such, it is recommended that this plant is grown in an area with full sunlight exposure or partial shade to maximize its growth potential. It is essential to note that the red fruit Strychnos does not thrive in complete shade, and it can lead to poor growth of leaves and flowers.
Soil Requirements
The red fruit Strychnos requires well-draining soil with a pH range between 5.5-7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Sandy or loamy soil performs the best for this plant. It is necessary to implement organic matter into the soil to ensure its fertility, which will help the plant to grow healthily. The plant can grow in rocky or clayey soils, but the soil must have an excellent water retention capacity due to their moisture requirements.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos cinnabarina Gilg ex Hutch. & Dalziel var. ctenotricha P.A.Duvign. thrives in warm temperatures and cannot survive in extremely cold or frosty conditions. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth of red fruit Strychnos is between 20°C and 33°C (68°F and 91°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) and above 35°C (95°F) can negatively impact the growth and fruiting of the plant.
It is crucial to maintain the proper temperature, moisture, and sunlight levels for the red fruit Strychnos. Failure to monitor these growth conditions can lead to poor growth and low fruit production.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos cinnabarina Gilg ex Hutch. & Dalziel var. ctenotricha P.A.Duvign. is a tropical plant that prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. The plant requires full sun and prefers warm temperatures. It is recommended that you start the plant from seeds, as it has a fragile root system and may not survive transplantation.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to thrive. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant does not tolerate drought and may wilt and lose leaves if left without water for an extended period. When watering, avoid splashing water onto the leaves as this may cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, the plant requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. It is recommended that you apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Use a low concentration to avoid burning the roots. Additionally, you may use organic mulch to supplement the soil with nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. It is recommended that you prune after the plant has flowered, as this will prevent the growth of new buds. You should remove any dead or damaged branches as soon as they appear. Regular pruning will also help to control the plant's size.
Propagation of Strychnos cinnabarina Gilg ex Hutch. & Dalziel var. ctenotricha P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos cinnabarina Gilg ex Hutch. & Dalziel var. ctenotricha P.A.Duvign. is propagated through different methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The plant's seeds can be used for propagation. A germination rate of up to 70% can be expected by following the steps below:
- Collect ripe seed capsules from the parent plant, which usually occurs from November to February.
- Extract the seeds from the seed capsules and wash them thoroughly to remove any pulp.
- Sow the seeds in seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining potting mix.
- Water the seeds and place them in a warm and bright location, preferably under a shade net to protect them from direct sunlight and heavy rainfall.
- Keep the soil moist and germination should take place within four weeks.
- Transplant the seedlings to individual pots once they have grown strong enough to handle.
Cuttings Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through cuttings. The steps are outlined below:
- Take cuttings from the parent plant, preferably from the tip of the stem, during the growing season (spring or summer).
- Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder.
- Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix.
- Water the cutting and place it in a bright and warm location, preferably under a shade net to protect it from direct sunlight and heavy rainfall.
- Maintain soil moisture until the cutting has rooted, which should occur within four weeks.
- After rooting, transplant the cutting to a larger pot or the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos cinnabarina Gilg ex Hutch. & Dalziel var. ctenotricha P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos cinnabarina Gilg ex Hutch. & Dalziel var. ctenotricha P.A.Duvign. is a tree species that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is mainly found in eastern Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya, where it is known as "Mkombela" or "Mkombla." Just like other plants, S. cinnabarina is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Therefore, proper management strategies are required to ensure that the plant thrives and remains productive.
Common Diseases
The common diseases that affect Strychnos cinnabarina Gilg ex Hutch. & Dalziel var. ctenotricha P.A.Duvign. include:
- Leaf spot: This is caused by a fungus that results in the formation of circular or angular spots on the leaves. The spots are usually yellow or brown, and in severe cases, they can cause significant defoliation of the plant.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to turn yellow or brown. It can also lead to the death of branches and twigs, ultimately affecting the overall productivity of the tree.
- Root rot: This is a fungal infection that results in the decay of the plant's roots. It is characterized by wilting and yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and eventually death of the tree.
Pest Management
The common pests that attack Strychnos cinnabarina Gilg ex Hutch. & Dalziel var. ctenotricha P.A.Duvign. include:
- Mealybugs: These are small, soft-bodied insects that attack the leaves, stem, and roots of the plant. They suck sap from the plant, resulting in stunted growth and a weakened immune system.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are common pests that attack various plants, including S. cinnabarina. They suck sap from the plant cells, leading to leaf discoloration, defoliation, and stunted growth.
- Scale Insects: These insects attach themselves to the tree bark and suck sap from the plant. They are difficult to control, especially when their population is high. They cause wilting of the leaves, defoliation, and in severe cases, death of the tree.
Management Strategies
The following are management strategies that can be employed to control pests and diseases in Strychnos cinnabarina Gilg ex Hutch. & Dalziel var. ctenotricha P.A.Duvign.:
- Use of chemical pesticides: Selective chemical pesticides can be used to control pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. However, it's crucial to follow the instructions on the label and wear protective gear when applying the pesticides.
- Cultural practices: Proper cultural practices such as pruning of diseased branches and twigs, regular irrigation, and fertilization can significantly reduce the incidence of pests and diseases in S. cinnabarina.
- Biological control: The use of biological control agents such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites can help control pests such as spider mites. They are natural predators and do not harm the plant.
Moreover, it's essential to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of pests and diseases. Early detection and treatment can prevent significant damage to the plant.
