Overview:
Strychnos dulcis A. Chev., commonly known as the snake wood tree or mangoustanier sauvage, is a small-sized tropical tree that belongs to the flowering plant family Loganiaceae. The plant is indigenous to Southeast Asia and various Pacific Islands. It grows up to 10-15 meters tall and has a life span of approximately 50-60 years.
General Appearance:
The tree's bark is gray-brown in color, and its leaves are glossy green, simple, and oval in shape. The leaves measure approximately 20-30 cm long. Strychnos dulcis has small, white-colored flowers that bloom during the summer and fall seasons. Its fruit is a bright yellow edible ball, approximately the size of a small orange. The fruit holds several seeds that are highly toxic and resistant to external damage.
Common Names:
Strychnos dulcis has various common names across the world, including Snake Wood Tree, Chinese Sweet Strychnine Tree, Bambara Nut, Umkokola, Butong, Dulduing, and Kou Ori.
Uses:
The tree has been widely used for its medicinal properties, mainly in Southeast Asia. The bark and roots of the tree have been traditionally used as a treatment for dysentery, fever, and other digestive issues. The tree's seeds, although toxic, have been used to treat muscular and nervous system disorders, and in small doses, to induce stimulation and suppress pain. The fruit of the snake wood tree is consumed as a delicacy. Its sweet and aromatic flavor are highly appreciated in native cuisines, and it is often used to create jams and beverages.
Light Requirements
Strychnos dulcis A.Chev. is a tropical plant that grows best in full sun or partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm and humid environment and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. The optimal temperature range for Strychnos dulcis A.Chev. is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Soil Requirements
Strychnos dulcis A.Chev. grows well in a range of well-draining soils with a pH level between 5.6 and 6.5. It thrives in loamy and sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos dulcis A.Chev., also known as the "Malayan bitter nut," is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 10 meters tall. The plant grows well in tropical and subtropical regions with a warm and humid climate. It is usually propagated by seeds, which should be soaked in water and planted immediately. Cuttings may also be used for propagation, but they are less successful due to the plant's slow rooting habit.
Watering Needs
Strychnos dulcis A.Chev. prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not constantly wet. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but do not overwater as it can cause root rot. The frequency of watering depends on the climate and soil type. In hot and dry weather, the plant may require watering twice a week, while it may only need watering once a week during cooler periods.
Fertilization
The plant is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization for healthy growth and fruit production. Fertilize the plant in the early spring before the growing season begins and during the summer months. Apply a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 around the base of the tree according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not over-fertilize as it can result in excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and size and to increase fruit production. Prune the plant during the winter months when it is dormant. Remove any dead or diseased branches and any suckers that grow from the base of the tree. Thin out the interior branches to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. Train the plant to a single trunk to promote a strong and sturdy structure. Additionally, remove any crossing branches that may rub against each other and cause damage.
Propagation methods for Strychnos dulcis A.Chev.
Strychnos dulcis A.Chev., also known as the Snake Fruit or Sweet Tamarind, can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and grafting. Each propagation method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the grower's needs and resources.
Seed propagation
The seed propagation method is commonly used for Strychnos dulcis A.Chev. The seeds should be extracted from ripe fruit and sown immediately in a mixture of sand and peat. The soil should be kept moist and warm until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Once the seedlings have grown to a height of about 5 cm, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly in the field. However, it should be noted that seed propagation can result in variability in plant characteristics.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Strychnos dulcis A.Chev. This method involves taking 20-30 cm long cuttings from mature trees in the dormant season and treating the cuttings with rooting hormone powder.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until they develop roots. Once rooted, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly in the field. This method ensures that the characteristics of the parent plant are retained in the new plant.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method that can be used for Strychnos dulcis A.Chev. This method involves taking a scion (a piece of the tree with buds) from a desired plant and grafting it onto a rootstock (a young plant with roots).
This method allows the grower to propagate desirable characteristics of the scion plant, such as early fruiting or disease resistance, into the new plant. However, grafting requires specialized skills and equipment and may not be practical for small-scale growers.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos dulcis A.Chev.
Strychnos dulcis A.Chev., commonly known as the Sugar plum or St. Thomas bean, is a small tropical tree that produces fruits that are edible and are used for medicinal purposes. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to certain pests and diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and the ways to manage them.
Pests
1. Fruit fly: The fruit fly can damage the fruit by causing it to fall prematurely or by leaving scars on the fruit surface. To manage fruit flies, wrap each fruit with a paper bag or nylon to prevent the flies from laying their eggs on it. Alternatively, use insecticides that are specifically formulated for fruit flies.
2. Mealy bugs: Mealybugs are insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to turn yellow and eventually drop. To manage mealybugs, spray the plant with a solution of water and soap, or use insecticides that are specifically formulated for mealybugs.
3. Scale insects: Scale insects are pests that can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage scale insects, spray the plant with a mixture of water and alcohol or use insecticides that are specifically formulated for scale insects.
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and fruits of the plant. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown, and the fruits to rot. To manage anthracnose, prune the affected leaves and dispose of them properly. Use fungicides that are specifically formulated for anthracnose to prevent the disease from spreading.
2. Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to decay. This can lead to stunted growth and even death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil has good drainage. Use fungicides that are specifically formulated for root rot.
3. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn white and powdery. To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them properly. Use fungicides that are specifically formulated for powdery mildew.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management is crucial to ensure the growth and productivity of Strychnos dulcis A.Chev. By identifying and managing pests and diseases early, you can prevent them from causing significant damage to the plant.
