Overview
Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis, also known as the "Mbamba" plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Loganiaceae. It is native to Africa and is commonly found in Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo. The plant is often used in traditional medicines for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.Description
Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri is a small shrub that grows up to 1-2 meters tall. The plant has a thick stem and dark green leaves that are simple, alternate, and glossy. It produces small, white, fragrant flowers that are about 1.5 cm long and 1 cm wide. The fruit of the plant is a round, yellow berry that is about 2 cm in diameter.Uses
Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri is widely used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The plant contains alkaloids, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The roots and bark of the plant are often used to treat toothaches, headaches, and muscle pain. The leaves of the plant are brewed into tea and consumed to treat fever and malaria. The fruit of the plant is also edible and is used to produce a type of wine.Cultivation and Conservation
Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri grows best in regions with tropical and subtropical climates. The plant is often found in forests and wooded areas. Due to its traditional use, the plant has been overharvested in many areas, resulting in a decline in population. As such, Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri is categorized as a near threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the plant and promote sustainable use.Light Requirements
Strychnos dysophylla subsp. engleri thrives in full sunlight and generally requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can also tolerate partial shade but may not grow as well as it would in full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for Strychnos dysophylla subsp. engleri is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures outside this range may affect the plant's growth and development. It can, however, tolerate slightly higher temperatures of up to 35°C but may require more frequent watering during such periods.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos dysophylla subsp. engleri prefers well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils but requires adequate drainage to prevent root rot. The plant can tolerate some degree of soil salinity but not excessively saline soils. Organic matter can be added to enhance the soil's fertility.
Cultivation
The Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis plant thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun exposure in humid conditions. It is best to plant in the spring or early summer when temperatures are mild and the soil is warmer.
Watering Needs
The Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis plant requires consistent watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can cause root rot. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis plant every two to three weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer or liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Do not fertilize during the winter months.
Pruning
The Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis plant requires minimal pruning, but it is essential to maintain its shape and size. Prune in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased branches or stems. Trim back any overgrown or unwanted growth to maintain a compact, bushy shape.
Propagation of Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri
Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri (Gilg) E.A.Bruce & Lewis is a perennial plant that can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Strychnos dysophylla are collected from the plant and cleaned before they are sown. The seeds are sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept warm and moist until they germinate. Germination of seeds can take up to four weeks. Once the seedlings develop enough leaves, they can be transplanted to larger pots or directly to the field.
Cuttings Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings are taken from the current year’s growth and should be about 5 inches long. The leaves on the lower half of the cuttings are removed, and the remaining leaves at the top are trimmed to reduce water loss. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept warm and moist for about four weeks. After around seven weeks, the cutting will produce new growth which signals its success.
Budding Propagation
Strychnos dysophylla can also be propagated through budding. A small bud is taken from an actively growing plant of the same species and inserted into an incision made in the bark of the rootstock. Once the bud has attached to the rootstock, it is allowed to grow and develop for a few months before transplanting to the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri
Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri is a perennial plant that is commonly found in Africa. This plant is known to have a high tendency of succumbing to pests and diseases that can cause significant damage to its growth and productivity. It is important to implement effective disease and pest management strategies to prevent, control or minimize their impact. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Leaf Spot – Leaf spot is a common disease that affects Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri. It is caused by fungi that thrive well in moist conditions. The disease is characterized by dark brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune the affected leaves and ensure that the plant is not watered from overhead. Avoid over-crowding the plant to enhance good air circulation, and use a fungicide specific for leaf spot treatment.
2. Powdery mildew – Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that can affect Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri. It is characterized by white or gray powdery patches on the leaves and stems, and it thrives well in areas with high humidity levels. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune the affected plant parts and use a fungicide specific for powdery mildew treatment.
Pests
1. Aphids – Aphids are common pests that attack Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri. These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and deform. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use natural predators such as ladybugs, apply insecticidal soap, or use neem oil to control the pest population.
2. Mealybugs – Mealybugs are another common pest that attack Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri. These pests suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing them to yellow and wilt. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use natural predators such as ladybugs, or use insecticidal soap to smother them.
The above disease and pest management strategies can minimize the impact of pests and diseases on Strychnos dysophylla Benth. subsp. engleri. It is also important to practice good hygiene by maintaining proper sanitation practices, such as regularly removing dead plant materials and debris, in order to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
