Overview of Strychnos dschurica
Strychnos dschurica (Gilg) Gilg is a plant of the family Loganiaceae. It is a woody, evergreen tree that is usually medium-sized and found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, primarily in the eastern part of the continent. This tree has many common names, including Snake wood, Dikamali, Ogolomolo, Kuchla, and Poison nut.
General Appearance of Strychnos dschurica
The tree of Strychnos dschurica grows up to a height of 15-20 meters and has a smooth greyish or dark brown-colored bark. The leaves are simple, ovate, and dark green and can grow up to 25 cm long and 15 cm wide. The flowers of the plant are white, and the fruit is a dark, round berry that contains seeds. The seeds are oval-shaped, around 2 cm long and 1 cm wide, and have a hard, smooth, light brown-colored surface.
Traditional Uses of Strychnos dschurica
Strychnos dschurica has been used traditionally in various African regions for medicinal purposes. The seeds of the plant contain alkaloids such as strychnine and brucine, which have been used in many traditional remedies. The alkaloids are known to have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system and have been used to treat asthma, constipation, and flatulence. In some cultures, the seeds were also used as a poison for arrows and spears for hunting purposes.
Extracts from Strychnos dschurica were also used to treat some skin diseases such as ringworm, eczema, and scabies. The bark of the plant was used for the treatment of coughs, fever, and diarrhea, while the roots were used to treat dysentery.
Other Uses of Strychnos dschurica
Besides its medicinal uses, Strychnos dschurica is also used in some parts of its native range to produce wood that is used for construction, furniture, and other applications. The tree is also used as a shade tree and provides a home for various bird species. Some people also use the fruit and leaves of the plant for dyeing textiles and leather.
However, it should be noted that the seeds and other parts of the plant are highly toxic and can cause severe poisoning symptoms if ingested, such as respiratory failure, convulsions, and eventual death. Therefore, the plant should be handled with great care to avoid accidental poisoning.
Light Requirements
Strychnos dschurica requires full sunlight to grow and develop properly. It is not tolerant of shade and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Therefore, it should be planted in a location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos dschurica is a tropical plant that is native to Asia. It thrives in warm and humid environments. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C. Therefore, it is important to provide the plant with a warm and humid environment for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos dschurica grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant also requires a high level of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Therefore, it is recommended to add organic compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting.
In summary, Strychnos dschurica requires full sunlight, warm and humid temperatures, and a well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and nutrients. Providing these optimal growth conditions will ensure a healthy and thriving Strychnos dschurica plant.
Cultivation
Strychnos dschurica is a hardy plant that grows well in a wide range of climatic conditions. It is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal attention for its growth and development. The best cultivation method for this plant is through seeds and cuttings. The plant grows to a height of up to 10 meters and requires ample space for proper growth.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering. It should be watered every alternate day during the growing season. During the rest period, the frequency of watering should be reduced, and the plant should be watered only when the soil dries out.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to obtain optimal growth and yield. The best fertilizer for Strychnos dschurica includes a balanced combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The application of organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and bone meal can help improve the soil's fertility and nutrient uptake capacity.
Pruning
Pruning is required to ensure the plant grows upright, has a robust structure and shape. Pruning should be performed during the rest period when the plant loses its leaves. The branches' tips should be pruned back to promote lateral growth, which helps in fruiting and flower production. It is essential to use sterilized pruning tools to avoid the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Strychnos dschurica (Gilg) Gilg
Strychnos dschurica (Gilg) Gilg, commonly known as Dabma, is a valuable medicinal plant found in India and Sri Lanka. It is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, dysentery, and constipation. Propagation of this plant can be done by several methods:
Seeds
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method for Strychnos dschurica. The seeds are collected from the ripe fruits of the plant. The collected seeds are sown into a suitable medium with proper irrigation. The seedlings are transplanted to the field after attaining the 4-6 true leaves stage.
Cuttings
Strychnos dschurica can be propagated through green stem cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings. Four to five nodes containing at least three leaves are chosen for the cuttings, which are then treated with rooting hormones. These cuttings are then planted in well-drained and prepared soil with proper irrigation. Rooting occurs in 3-4 weeks, and the plant is ready for transplanting after 2-3 months.
Air layering
Propagation through air layering is another viable method for Strychnos dschurica. A section of the stem with an intact leaf is selected to air layering. The bark of the chosen section is scratched, and a ball of moist soil mixture is packed around it, which is further enclosed with a plastic sheet. The rooting occurs within 3-4 weeks, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant after the roots are well-developed.
Tissue culture
In vitro propagation or tissue culture is an effective method of mass propagation for Strychnos dschurica. The explants of the plant are collected and sterilized before growing them in special media containing specific nutrients and hormones like cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins. The plantlets developed through tissue culture are then transplanted after acclimatization to ex vitro conditions.
Overall, Strychnos dschurica can be propagated by multiple methods, providing opportunities for large-scale commercial cultivation and conservation of the valuable medicinal plant.
Disease Management
Strychnos dschurica is highly susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes dark sunken spots on leaves, stems, and fruits. It ultimately leads to defoliation and yield loss. To control anthracnose, it is recommended to spray the plant with copper-based fungicides or neem oil-based products.
- Leaf Spot: Another fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on leaves. The spots may have a yellow halo, and they can merge to form larger patches. To control leaf spot, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and apply fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on leaves and stems. It can lead to reduced growth and yield. To control powdery mildew, it is recommended to increase air circulation around the plant and spray with fungicides.
- Root Rot: A fungal disease that causes the plant's roots to rot, leading to stunted growth, wilted leaves, and possible death. This disease is more common in waterlogged soil. To control root rot, it is recommended to improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove infected plants.
Pest Management
Strychnos dschurica is also susceptible to pests, including:
- Scale Insects: Small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the plant's stems and leaves, causing damage by sucking sap from the plant. To control scale insects, it is recommended to prune infected areas and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil-based products.
- Mealybugs: Soft-bodied insects that produce a white, cottony substance that covers the plant's leaves and stems. They also suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth. To control mealybugs, it is recommended to prune infected areas and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil-based products.
- Aphids: Tiny, pear-shaped insects that feed on the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth and distorted leaves. To control aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the plant's leaves, causing defoliation and yield loss. To control caterpillars, it is recommended to remove them by hand or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
It is important to regularly monitor the plant for any signs of diseases or pests and take necessary actions to prevent or control the infestation.
