Overview of Strychnos emarginata Baker
Strychnos emarginata Baker, commonly known as the "False orange" or "M’pesu" plant, is a shrub or small to medium-sized tree of the Loganiaceae family. This plant is native to tropical Africa, South Africa, and Madagascar. It is primarily found in woodlands and forest margins, but it can also occur in savannas and rocky hillsides. The plant has many medicinal uses and is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties.
Appearance of Strychnos emarginata Baker
The False orange plant has a grey-brown bark with a deep texture that is characteristic of many Loganiaceae plants. It has simple, alternate, and elliptic leaves, which are glossy, dark green, and leathery. The leaves are up to 15 cm long and 9 cm wide, with a short, bluntly pointed tip, and marginally unsmooth. The plant produces dense clusters of small, orange-yellow, and fragrant flowers, which bloom in the spring and summer. The fruits are fleshy, spherical, and about 3 cm in diameter. These fruits are edible but are used mostly for medicinal purposes.
Uses of Strychnos emarginata Baker
The False orange plant is widely used in traditional medicine. The plant extracts have been used for treating various ailments such as malaria, diarrhea, fever, snakebites, and tuberculosis. It is also believed to have immune-boosting properties and is used to treat respiratory infections. In some African cultures, the plant has symbolic significance and is used in spiritual and cultural rituals. The fruits, although edible, are usually not consumed but have been used in skin ointments and soaps due to their antimicrobial properties. The plant is not commonly used in landscaping, but its dense foliage and beautiful flowers make it an attractive option for ornamental planting.
Growth Conditions of Strychnos Emarginata Baker
Strychnos emarginata Baker is a tree species native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It belongs to the Loganiaceae family and is commonly known as the "Mouse Button" tree due to the shape of its fruit.
Light Requirements
As a tree species, Strychnos emarginata Baker requires a significant amount of sunlight to grow and thrive. It prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate some shade. The tree must receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to develop a strong and healthy structure.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos emarginata Baker thrives in warm and humid environments. The tree does not tolerate frost or low temperatures (<5°C) and prefers temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. High temperatures above 40°C can stress the tree, and it may require additional watering during these periods.
Soil Requirements
The tree's soil requirements are moderate, and it can grow in a wide range of soil types. Strychnos emarginata Baker prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The tree can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils but requires consistent moisture levels to thrive. Adding organic matter to the soil can also enhance the tree's growth.
Overall, Strychnos emarginata Baker can tolerate a range of growing conditions, but it requires adequate sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-draining soils to develop into a strong and healthy tree.
Cultivation methods
Strychnos emarginata Baker, commonly referred to as the corky-fruited water tree, is a plant species native to West Africa and usually grow in lowland forests and wetlands. The plant is heat sensitive and grows well in soils with low moisture content. To cultivate the corky-fruited water tree:
- Choose a site that receives partial sun or shade
- Prepare moist, well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
- Plant the seeds just below the surface of the soil. Do not plant them too deep as they may not be able to germinate
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged
- Provide support for the vine-like plant to grow on
Watering needs
The corky-fruited water tree requires moderate watering, with more frequent watering needed during the hot, dry season. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. However, avoid overwatering, as this can result in root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilization
Strychnos emarginata Baker requires minimal fertilization. Its low maintenance nature means it thrives well in soils that have not been amended with fertilizers. However, it is recommended to apply slow-release fertilizers at the start of the growing season to promote foliage growth and overall plant health.
Pruning
The corky-fruited water tree is a slow-growing plant and rarely requires pruning. However, regular pruning may be necessary to remove dead or diseased branches. It is best to prune during the early spring before the growing season starts.
Propagation of Strychnos emarginata Baker
There are several methods of propagating Strychnos emarginata Baker, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and propagation by cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of reproducing Strychnos emarginata Baker. The seeds are collected when the fruit is ripe and should be planted soon after harvesting to avoid losing viability. The seeds must be soaked in water for 72 hours before planting to improve germination rates. The planting mixture should consist of equal parts of river sand and well-drained soil. The seeds are planted in the mixture at a depth of around 1.5 cm and watered regularly. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they reach a height of 5 cm and are strong enough to handle.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Strychnos emarginata Baker. This method is useful when the parent plant is mature and cannot produce viable seeds. The best time to propagate the plant vegetatively is during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from the stem of the parent plant and should be around 15 cm long. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of sand and well-drained soil. The cutting should be watered regularly, and after six weeks, roots should start to develop. The rooted cutting can be transplanted into a pot or another location in the garden.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method of propagating Strychnos emarginata Baker. This method is similar to vegetative propagation, but the cuttings are taken from a lateral branch rather than the stem. Cuttings should be taken during spring or early summer and should be around 15 cm long. The cutting should be planted in a mixture of sand and well-drained soil and should be kept moist. After six weeks, roots should begin to develop, and the cutting can be transplanted to a pot or another location in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos Emarginata Baker
As with any plant, Strychnos emarginata Baker is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management is crucial to the health and productivity of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Strychnos emarginata Baker, along with ways to manage them.
Diseases
Root Rot - Root rot is a disease caused by fungi that attack the roots, causing them to decay. Symptoms may include brown or yellow leaves, wilted foliage, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil is well-drained. Soil amendments such as perlite or sand can help increase drainage.
Anthracnose - Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots and stem cankers. Symptoms include dark spots on leaves, stem dieback, and defoliation. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to remove and destroy affected plant parts and apply a fungicide. It is also important to ensure that the plant is not overcrowded and that there is adequate air circulation.
Pests
Aphids - Aphids are small insects that can feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to yellow and distort. To manage aphids, it is recommended to wash the plant with a strong stream of water, apply insecticidal soap, or introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Spider Mites - Spider mites are tiny pests that can suck the sap from the leaves, causing a stippled appearance. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong stream of water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce predatory mites.
Strychnos emarginata Baker is a beautiful and valuable plant that can be a great addition to any garden. With proper disease and pest management, it can thrive in any environment.
