Overview of Strychnos edulis Schweinf.
Strychnos edulis Schweinf., also known as the "Ouhou" plant, is a plant species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. The plant is indigenous to tropical Africa, including countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Congo, and can be found in rainforests, savannahs and secondary forests.
General Appearance
The plant has a woody stem that can grow up to 30 meters tall and 40cm in diameter with a dark brown-grey bark. Strychnos edulis has large green leaves that are 25-30cm long and 10-15cm wide, with smooth and glossy surfaces.
The plant produces small fragrant flowers that are white or yellowish in colour and have a tubular shape. The fruit of the plant is a spherical berry that is green when unripe and turns yellow when ripe. The fruit has a thick skin and a juicy pulp that is sweet with a slightly sour taste. The fruit contains numerous seeds that are embedded in the pulp.
Common Names
Strychnos edulis Schweinf. is commonly known as the "Ouhou" plant in Cameroon, "Ohe" in Nigeria, and "Mbiti" in Congo. The plant is also referred to as the "cream fruit" due to the colour and texture of its pulp.
Uses
The fruit of the Strychnos edulis Schweinf. plant is edible and is consumed fresh or used to make jams and juices. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus, and is known to have medicinal properties that boost the immune system and regulate digestion.
The bark and leaves of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, and snake bites. The plant also produces alkaloids, including strychnine and brucine, which have been used in modern medicine for their spasmolytic and analgesic properties.
The wood of the Strychnos edulis Schweinf. plant is hard and durable and is used for making furniture, construction, and carving.
Light Requirements
Strychnos edulis Schweinf. prefers to grow in areas that receive partial to full sunlight. The plant requires an adequate amount of sunlight to thrive and produce a good harvest. Insufficient sunlight may lead to stunted growth and low yields.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Strychnos edulis Schweinf. is between 18 - 25°C (64 - 77°F). The plant does not tolerate extreme temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or above 35°C (95°F). Temperature fluctuations outside this range could lead to growth retardation, poor fruit set, and other negative effects that could impact the plant's overall health and productivity.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos edulis Schweinf. thrives in well-draining soils rich in organic matter. The plant requires a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal growth. The soil should also be sandy or loamy to aid drainage and prevent waterlogging, which could lead to root rot. The plant prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral in nature. Adequate soil moisture levels are vital in ensuring optimal growth and productivity.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Strychnos edulis Schweinf. is a perennial tree that requires full sunlight exposure to grow well. It is best suited for tropical to subtropical regions with temperatures between 20-30°C. The plant prefers deep, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Adequate spacing of about 4-6 meters between plants is also essential to allow for proper growth and development.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, especially during the dry season. It is advisable to water the plant in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are low. Avoid overwatering, as this may lead to root rot. Young plants require more frequent watering to establish their root systems.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to support its growth and development. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 is ideal. Apply the fertilizer during the rainy season or when the soil is moist to avoid root damage. Compost manure can also be used to supplement the soil's nutrient content.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the plant's growth and productivity. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to promote healthy development. It is advisable to prune during the rainy season or after harvesting to minimize stress on the plant. Pruning also helps to control the plant's height, making it more manageable during harvesting.
Propagation of Strychnos edulis Schweinf.
Strychnos edulis Schweinf. can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seeds propagation
The plant produces seeds, and it is one of the most common methods of propagation. The seeds should be collected when the capsule turns yellowish-brown, and they can be planted immediately. It is important to note that the seeds have hard coats, and should be soaked in water for about 24 hours before planting. The seedlings usually emerge within three weeks after planting.
Cuttings propagation
The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, and should have at least three nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium that is well-draining and kept moist for the first few weeks. The cuttings will usually develop roots within 4-8 weeks.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Strychnos edulis Schweinf. This method involves creating a small wound on the stem of the plant and then applying rooting hormone to the wound. The wounded area is then wrapped with a moist media (such as moss), and plastic is used to hold it in place. Roots will start to grow from the wounded area, and once they have grown large enough, the layer can be cut off and planted in a pot.
Overall, Strychnos edulis Schweinf. can be propagated using different methods, and it is important to choose a method that works best for your resources and needs.
Disease Management
Strychnos edulis Schweinf. is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plants, and apply fungicides such as copper-based products.
- Root rot: a disease caused by soil-borne pathogens that attack the roots. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Strychnos edulis Schweinf. is also vulnerable to various pests such as:
- Fruit flies: These flies lay eggs in the fruit of the plant, and the larvae feed on the fruit causing it to rot. To manage fruit flies, use traps, bagging, and apply insecticides such as spinosad.
- Mealybugs: These insects suck sap from the plant leaves, causing yellowing and distortion. To manage mealybugs, prune heavily infested parts, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to the leaves and stems, sucking sap and causing the plant to weaken and eventually die. To manage scale insects, use insecticides, prune heavily infested parts, and introduce natural predators such as parasitic wasps and ladybugs.
