Overview
Strychnos eketensis S.Moore is a plant species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is a tropical plant that is commonly found in West Africa particularly in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, and Zaire.General Appearance
Strychnos eketensis S.Moore is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows up to 15 meters tall. It has a rounded crown with a grayish-brown bark that is smooth in young trees and becomes rough and scaly in older trees. The leaves are dark green, simple, and alternately arranged with an elliptic to obovate shape. The branches are densely hairy and have a zigzag pattern. The flowers of Strychnos eketensis S.Moore are small, white, and fragrant, with a diameter of around 1 cm. They are arranged in clusters, and the flowers appear late in the dry season or early in the wet season. The fruit of this species is a greenish-yellow to orange berry that contains numerous seeds.Common Names
Strychnos eketensis S.Moore is known by several common names such as Eket's poison arrow, Ekwolala, and Ngontob.Uses
Strychnos eketensis S.Moore is a plant that is used in traditional medicine. Various parts of the plant have been used to treat several ailments such as jaundice, fever, typhoid, and malaria. The bark can be crushed and mixed with water to form a paste that is applied topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema, rashes, and boils. The plant is also used in the production of poison arrows by the indigenous people of West Africa. In conclusion, Strychnos eketensis S.Moore is a plant species that is native to West Africa. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree with dark green leaves, small white fragrant flowers, and greenish-yellow to orange berries. It is used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases and is also used in the production of poison arrows.Growth Conditions for Strychnos eketensis S.Moore
Light: Strychnos eketensis requires a bright light for proper growth. It can tolerate partial shade but still needs enough light to thrive.
Temperature: The ideal temperature range for Strychnos eketensis growth is between 18°C (64°F) to 27°C (81°F). It cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or above 35°C (95°F).
Soil: Strychnos eketensis grows well in well-draining and aerated soil. It is recommended to use organic-rich soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. The plant also requires soil that is moist but not waterlogged.
Water: The plant requires regular watering but care should be taken to avoid waterlogging. Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant goes into its dormant phase.
Fertilizer: Strychnos eketensis requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, from spring to summer, and at a lower frequency during the dormant season.
By providing optimal growth conditions as described above, Strychnos eketensis can grow to become a healthy and attractive plant.
Cultivation
Strychnos eketensis S.Moore is a small tree native to West Africa that thrives in tropical climates. It prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. During plantation, it's important to dig a hole that's deep enough to accommodate the plant's rootball and wide enough for its roots to spread out comfortably.
The plant should be placed in a bright, sunny location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. When planting, ensure to provide adequate space for the tree to grow, as it can spread up to 7 meters (22 feet) wide.
Watering
During the growing season, Strychnos eketensis S.Moore requires consistent watering. Water should be given deeply, but the plant shouldn't sit in standing water for long periods as it's susceptible to root rot. In the winter months, water should be reduced to prevent waterlogging, and allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again.
Fertilization
For proper growth and development, it's essential to fertilize Strychnos eketensis S.Moore regularly. The plant can be given a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, starting in early spring until early fall. Avoid fertilizing in the winter months and be careful not to over-fertilize, which can cause salt build-up and damage the plant's roots.
Pruning
Strychnos eketensis S.Moore requires minimal pruning, but should be periodically pruned to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches to promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring when the tree is still dormant before new growth appears.
Avoid removing more than one-third of the tree's total foliage in one growing season to prevent stress. Shape the plant to maintain its desired size, and provide adequate clearance for utility lines, buildings, and surrounding plants.
Propagation of Strychnos eketensis S.Moore
Strychnos eketensis S.Moore can be propagated through various methods that include:
Seed propagation
The plant produces seeds that can be collected and sown in a suitable medium. The seeds are best sown immediately after harvesting and should not be allowed to dry out. They can be sown in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix and covered with a light layer of soil. The trays should be kept in a warm, humid environment and watered regularly. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual containers once they have developed a few leaves and roots.
Cuttings propagation
Strychnos eketensis S.Moore can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment and watered regularly. Roots should develop within a few weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted into individual containers.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating Strychnos eketensis S.Moore. The plant's stem is girdled and a small amount of rooting hormone is applied to the wound. A moss-filled plastic container is then placed around the girdled area, and the moss is kept moist. Roots should develop within a few weeks, and the new plant can be separated from the parent once it has developed a strong root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos eketensis S.Moore Plant
Strychnos eketensis S.Moore is a plant species that belongs to the family of Loganiaceae. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. This plant species is generally resistant to diseases and pests, but certain environmental conditions can lead to an increase in their prevalence. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Strychnos eketensis and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Root Rot: Root Rot is one of the most prevalent diseases in Strychnos eketensis S.Moore plants. This disease is caused by several species of fungi. Overwatering and poor drainage are the most common causes of this disease. Symptoms of Root Rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a foul odor coming from the soil. To manage Root Rot, it is important to remove the infected plant parts, improve the drainage of the soil, and reduce watering frequency.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf Spot is another common fungal disease that affects Strychnos eketensis plants. Symptoms of this disease include the formation of small circular spots on the leaves. The spots might be yellow, brown, or black, and they might have a dark border around them. To manage Leaf Spot, it is important to remove the infected leaves, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
1. Spider Mites: Spider Mites are tiny pests that are common in Strychnos eketensis plants. They feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. Symptoms of Spider Mites infestation include the presence of webs and tiny specks on the leaves. To manage Spider Mites, it is important to wash the plant regularly, improve humidity levels, and use insecticidal soap.
2. Scale Insects: Scale Insects are pests that are common in Strychnos eketensis plants. They feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Symptoms of Scale Insects infestation include the presence of small bumps on the leaves and sticky residue on the leaves. To manage Scale Insects, it is important to prune and remove the affected plant parts, use insecticidal soap, and improve the air circulation.
In conclusion, Strychnos eketensis S.Moore is generally resistant to diseases and pests. Nevertheless, certain environmental conditions can lead to their prevalence. It is important to understand the common diseases and pests that affect this plant species and the ways to manage them. Proper management of diseases and pests will help to keep the plant healthy, leading to healthier growth and longevity.
