Overview
Strychnos dewevrei Gilg, also known as the West African Poison Arrow Tree, is a small to medium-sized tree that originated from West Africa. It belongs to the Strychnos genus and the Loganiaceae family, which includes other important medicinal plants.Appearance
The West African Poison Arrow Tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 12 meters in height. It has a straight trunk, brittle branches, and a rounded crown. The bark is yellowish-brown and rough, with longitudinal fissures. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and elliptical in shape, with a length of 3 to 8 cm and a width of 1.5 to 3.5 cm. The flowers are small, yellow, and fragrant, with a diameter of 1 to 1.5 cm. The fruit is a spherical berry with a diameter of 2.5 to 3 cm, initially green and turning yellow when ripe. Each fruit contains 1 to 4 seeds that are ovate, flat, and black.Common Names
The West African Poison Arrow Tree is known by many names, including Strychnos bicolor, Kuokakok, Omo Oluo, and Iso. It is also commonly referred to as the Poison Arrow Tree due to the toxic properties of its seeds and bark.Uses
Strychnos dewevrei has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The bark and seeds of the tree contain various alkaloids, including strychnine and brucine, which are highly toxic and can be lethal in high doses. However, these alkaloids have also been used in small amounts for medicinal purposes. They have been used to treat chronic headaches, fever, and as a stimulant for the central nervous system. The roots and bark of the tree have also been used to treat various ailments such as malaria, diarrhea, and asthma. The wood of the tree is highly valued for its strong and durable properties. It has been used for making canoes, furniture, and utensils. The tree also has cultural significance in some African societies, where its leaves and bark are used for religious and spiritual ceremonies. Despite its many uses, it is important to note that the West African Poison Arrow Tree is highly toxic and can be lethal. Caution should be exercised when handling any part of the tree.Growth Conditions for Strychnos dewevrei Gilg
Strychnos dewevrei Gilg is a plant that is native to Africa. It is commonly found in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon. The plant requires specific growth conditions in order to thrive. Here are some important growth conditions to consider:
Light Requirements
Strychnos dewevrei Gilg prefers a lot of sunlight. The plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow well. When grown in an area with too much shade, the plant tends to grow slower and its leaves may turn yellow. If the plant is grown indoors, it must be placed near a window that receives plenty of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant likes warm and humid conditions. The plant thrives in temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. It is important to take note of the temperature in the environment as a temperature that is too low or high can cause various issues such as yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. In colder months, it is essential to keep the plant warm by placing it near a heat source or using a heating mat.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos dewevrei Gilg prefers well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 - 7.0. The plant grows well in a soil mix that is made up of equal parts sand, loam, and peat moss. The soil must be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Ensure that the plant pot has ample drainage holes to avoid water from accumulating at the bottom of the container.
Overall, Strychnos dewevrei Gilg requires a warm, humid, and well-lit environment to grow in. With the appropriate temperature, light, and soil conditions, the plant will grow and thrive with vibrant foliage.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos dewevrei Gilg is an evergreen tree native to West Africa. The plant prefers a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius. It can grow well under partial shade or full sun exposure. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH of 6 to 7.5. It is recommended to plant the tree during the rainy season to ensure optimal growth.
Watering Needs
The Strychnos dewevrei Gilg requires moderate watering during the hot and dry season to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Consistent moisture is vital during the first few months after planting to support root development. However, overwatering should be avoided, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The Strychnos dewevrei Gilg requires fertilization for optimal growth and productivity. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every three months during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be applied to the soil to improve soil structure and nutrient availability.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary for maintaining the shape and size of the Strychnos dewevrei Gilg tree as it grows. It is recommended to prune the tree during the dormant season to minimize damage to the foliage. The main pruning objective should be to remove any dead or diseased branches. The plant can also be selectively pruned to promote branching, shape, and size control. Branches should be cut back to the lateral buds, and the pruning equipment should be cleaned and sterilized to avoid spreading diseases.
Propagation of Strychnos dewevrei Gilg
Strychnos dewevrei Gilg is a medicinal plant that can be propagated through different methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Strychnos dewevrei Gilg. The seeds are collected from the ripened fruit and washed to remove the flesh. They are then air-dried and stored for planting. The seeds are usually sown in a shallow pot or directly in the soil. The seeds require light to germinate and need adequate moisture. The germination period may vary between 2-4 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings are another method used to propagate Strychnos dewevrei Gilg. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be approximately 6 inches in length, and the leaves on the bottom half should be removed. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. It is essential to keep the cuttings moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should start forming roots after 3-4 weeks.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method used to propagate Strychnos dewevrei Gilg. In this method, a section of the stem is selected, and a narrow strip of bark is removed from the middle of the stem. The exposed area is then covered with moist sphagnum moss, wrapped in plastic and sealed with tape. The moss should be kept wet, and after a few weeks, roots should start to form. The rooted stem can then be removed and planted in a container.
Propagation of Strychnos dewevrei Gilg can be a lengthy process, but once propagated, the plant can thrive in warm environments with well-draining soil and adequate watering.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos dewevrei Gilg
Strychnos dewevrei Gilg is a plant native to West Africa. This plant is typically grown for its medicinal properties and its high-value timber. However, this plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can reduce the quality and quantity of its yield. To ensure that you get the best from your Strychnos dewevrei Gilg plant, it is important to understand the diseases and pests that can attack it and how to manage them effectively.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Strychnos dewevrei Gilg is root rot. This disease is caused by various fungi and bacteria, which can lead to the wilting of the plant, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, it is essential to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Treating the affected plant with agricultural fungicides can also help to control the spread of root rot.
Another common disease that affects Strychnos dewevrei Gilg is leaf spot. This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora strychni and can cause premature leaf drop and defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain proper plant hygiene by removing fallen leaves and avoiding overhead watering to reduce humidity.
Common Pests
Strychnos dewevrei Gilg is also susceptible to infestation by various pests. One of the most common pests is the stem borer, which can damage the stems and lead to wilting and eventual death of the plant. To manage this pest, it's essential to prune and burn infected plant parts and use appropriate insecticides to control the infestation effectively.
Another common pest that affects Strychnos dewevrei Gilg is aphids. Aphids can damage the leaves and stems of the plant, but the damage is often not severe. However, an aphid infestation can lead to the development of sooty mold, which reduces the plant's photosynthetic capacity. To control aphids, it's important to remove infected leaves and use pesticides such as neem oil to deter them from infesting the plant.
Conclusion
Managing disease and pest infestations is essential for optimal plant growth and yield of Strychnos dewevrei Gilg. Maintaining proper plant hygiene, avoiding overwatering, and using appropriate insecticides and fungicides can help to prevent and control diseases and pests effectively.
