Description:
Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis is a tree species of the family Loganiaceae that is native to East Africa. It has several common names, including the Engler's logwood and the mkalama tree.
General Appearance:
The tree can grow up to 15 meters in height, and it has a cylindrical trunk that can grow up to 60 cm in diameter. The bark is smooth and can vary in color from dark brown to grey. The leaves are simple, dark green and ovate in shape, measuring up to 25 cm in length. The tree bears small, white flowers that are fragrant and bloom in clusters.
Uses:
Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri has several uses. The bark of the tree is sometimes used to produce a yellow dye, and the wood can be used for making furniture, tools, and implements. The tree is also used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including fever, malaria, and digestive disorders. The seeds of the tree are highly toxic, containing strychnine and other alkaloids, and are used in some parts of Africa to poison animals in order to protect crops.
In conclusion, Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri is a tree species native to East Africa with several uses, including dye production and traditional medicine. Despite its benefits, the tree should be handled with caution due to the highly toxic nature of its seeds.Growth Conditions for Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis
Light: Strychnos dysophylla thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. The plant prefers bright light but can also survive in semi-shaded areas. It is best to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature: The plant grows well in warm to hot conditions. It can tolerate a range of temperatures from 18°C to 35°C. However, it cannot withstand frost or prolonged periods of cold weather. It is, therefore, advisable to grow the plant in regions with a tropical or sub-tropical climate.
Soil: Strychnos dysophylla requires well-draining, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in loam, sandy loam, and clay loam soils. However, it is important to ensure that the soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant is sensitive to salts and is, therefore, not suitable for areas with saline soils.
Water: Adequate water supply is crucial for the growth and development of Strychnos dysophylla. The plant requires moderate to high levels of moisture. It is important to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering may lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Fertilizer: To promote healthy growth and development, Strychnos dysophylla requires regular application of balanced fertilizer. It is advisable to apply a slow-release fertilizer during the planting stage and subsequent applications during the growing season. However, it is important to avoid over-fertilization, which may lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit development.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis is native to various parts of Africa and is classified as a woody perennial shrub. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and can reach a height of up to 4 meters.
It is essential to ensure that the plant has enough space to grow and develop. Sufficient sunlight and well-draining soil are also essential for optimal growth. During the winter months, the shrub may begin to dry up, so it's important to maintain humidity levels and protect it from extreme temperatures.
Watering Needs
Watering this plant regularly is essential to its growth. During the hot and dry months, the plant requires more water, but it's important not to overwater. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. However, letting the soil dry out completely can also harm the plant, so it's important to strike the right balance. Additionally, care should be exercised when watering to ensure that water does not get onto the foliage as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization of the plant can promote healthy growth and encourage flowering. Slow-release fertilizers may be used to provide the necessary nutrients, although it's best to consult with a professional to find the best fertilization product for the plant. During the growing season, the plant may require fertilization every two weeks, reducing to once a month during the colder months. Proper and regular fertilization can improve the plant's resistance to diseases and pests and promote vigorous growth.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. Trimming the plant can promote lateral branching and make the plant denser, which can improve its resistance to pests and diseases. Pruning is also necessary to remove dead or diseased foliage and buds, which can affect the plant's growth and flowers.
The best time to prune this plant is in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Suckers and shoots must be removed from the base of the shrub. It's important to use sharp and sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases. After pruning, the plant should be watered adequately to promote healing.
Propagation of Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri
Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis can be propagated by using different methods such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Fresh and healthy seeds collected from the plant can be used for propagation. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. After soaking, the seeds can be germinated in the nursery bed or in pots filled with well-drained sandy soil. The germination time for Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri usually varies from 3 to 8 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted after 4-6 months.
Cutting Propagation
Vegetative propagation by stem cuttings is also a common technique for Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri. The cuttings should be taken in the early morning from mature, healthy, and disease-free plants. The cuttings should be 15-20 cm long with 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a rooting medium such as sand or vermiculite. The cuttings should be kept in a humid and warm environment with temperatures around 25°C and should be watered regularly. Rooting takes place within 6-8 weeks, and the rooted cuttings can be transplanted in pots or in the field after 3-4 months.
Grafting
Grafting is a technique that is used to propagate Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri onto suitable rootstocks. The rootstock and scion should be closely related and compatible. The best time to graft Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri is during the spring or summer when the scion and the rootstock are in active growth. The graft union should be protected with grafting wax or paraffin, and the plants should be kept under high humidity and low light until the scion starts to grow. After the scion has taken root and started to grow, the plant can be transplanted into the field.
Disease Management
Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis is generally a healthy plant species and not much prone to diseases. However, certain diseases can occur that can affect their growth and yield.
The most common disease that can affect the Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis is root rot and stem cankers. This disease is caused mainly due to the water-logging or over-watering of the soil for a longer duration. The infected plant shows symptoms of wilting, yellowing of leaves, and finally, death of the plant. However, the disease can be managed by improving the drainage of the soil and avoiding over-watering of the plants.
Another disease that can affect the plant is leaf spot caused by fungal infection. The disease is characterized by the development of brown or black spots on the leaves, which can coalesce into larger lesions. The infected leaves eventually fall from the plant, leading to a reduction in yield. The disease can be managed by removing the infected leaves and spraying fungicides at regular intervals.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis is also susceptible to pest attacks. The most common pests that can affect the plant are mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites.
Mealybugs and scale insects suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and eventual death of the plant. These pests can be managed by removing the infected parts and spraying insecticides or soapy water on the plant.
Spider mites can feed on the underside of the leaves, leading to the formation of yellow or brown spots. The infestation can cause the leaves to dry and fall off the plant. The pest can be managed by spraying a mixture of water and neem oil on the plant.
Regular monitoring of the plants and taking preventive measures can help in managing the pests and diseases that can affect Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis.
