Origin and Common Names
Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse, commonly known as bushman's arrow poison, is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is native to Southern Africa, where it is found in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. The plant grows in woodlands and savannahs, and is often found along riverbanks and on rocky outcrops.
General Appearance
The Strychnos euryphylla plant can grow up to 8 meters tall, but is often shrubby and multi-stemmed. The leaves of the plant are glossy, dark green, and leathery, with a distinct midrib. The flowers are small and white, and have a sweet fragrance that attracts insects. The fruit of the plant is a large, yellowish-green berry that contains the toxic seeds.
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used by the indigenous people of Southern Africa for medicinal purposes and hunting. The bark, roots, and leaves of the plant contain alkaloids, which are used to treat various ailments, including fever, snakebites, and stomach problems. The plant is also used to make arrow poison, which is used by the San people of Southern Africa for hunting.
Despite its medicinal properties, the plant is highly toxic and can be lethal if ingested. The plant contains strychnine and brucine, which are highly toxic and can cause convulsions and paralysis.
Light Requirements
Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse thrives in full sunlight. The plant does not withstand shades and needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to obtain optimal growth. Lack of sunlight results in leggy stems with weak foliage and poor flower production.
Temperature Requirements
The plant growth is supported optimally in temperatures between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate colder temperatures, but it may affect their growth and flowering. Temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius may cause the plant to die, especially during the winter season.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse needs well-draining soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. A slightly sandy soil with compost or organic matter around the plant's base will help retain moisture, improve drainage and enrich the soil.
Cultivation Methods for Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse
When cultivating Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse, it is important to note that this plant is native to eastern and southern Africa and therefore prefers warm climates. It thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. You can propagate this plant via seeds or cuttings. If you are propagating through cuttings, ensure that you obtain a woody stem about six inches long and plant it in a pot with well-draining soil.
Watering Needs for Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse
Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. You can also mulch the soil to retain moisture.
Fertilization for Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse
Fertilize Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse with a balanced fertilizer every three months during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can lead to stunted growth.
Pruning for Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse
Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse does not require a lot of pruning, as it has a naturally bushy growth habit. However, if you notice any damaged or diseased branches, you can prune them to prevent further damage and to improve the plant's overall appearance.
Propagation of Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse
Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse is a small, evergreen tree that belongs to the Loganiaceae plant family. The plant is native to East and Central Africa and is known for its medicinal values. Propagation of Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse can be done through seeds and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse can be collected from mature fruit and dried under the sun. Once dried, the seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until ready for planting. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to enhance germination.
The seeds can be sown in a well-draining seed tray filled with a mixture of sand and potting soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm, and the tray should be covered with a transparent plastic bag to maintain moisture. The tray should be placed in a warm, well-lit area, and the seeds should germinate after 2-3 weeks.
Once the seedlings are strong enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The plants should be watered regularly and placed in a shaded area for the first few weeks to prevent wilting.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagating Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse through stem cuttings is another effective way to propagate the plant. Stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy, mature plant during the early morning hours. The cutting should be about 10 cm long and should include two to three nodal points.
The lower leaves of the stem cutting should be removed, and the end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting can then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a shaded area with high humidity. Water the cutting regularly but be careful not to overwater it.
The stem cutting should form roots within four to six weeks, and once the roots are well established, the plant can be transplanted into individual pots filled with a well-draining potting mix.
Propagation of Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse through seed and stem cuttings is relatively easy. However, it is important to follow the correct procedures to ensure a high success rate.
Disease Management for Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse
Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse is a hardy plant, but just like any other plant, it is susceptible to several diseases. The following are common diseases that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
This is a fungal disease that appears on the new leaves, twigs, and petioles as small, dark, and water-soaked spots that enlarge and darken to form sunken, irregularly shaped spots with reddish-brown edges. To manage anthracnose, prune away infected twigs and remove them from the area to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is caused by various fungi and appears on the leaves of the plant as small, yellow or brown spots. The spots may also be surrounded by a yellow halo, and they eventually join together to form large patches on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves, and keep the plant from getting too wet by watering it less frequently.
Root Rot
Root rot is a soil-borne disease caused by fungus that infects the roots of the plant and causes them to rot. If the roots of the plant are rotten, the plant will not be able to take up water and nutrients, and it will eventually die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, and ensure proper drainage by planting it in well-draining soil.
Pest Management for Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse
Strychnos euryphylla Gilg & Busse is also susceptible to several pests that can damage the plant. The following are common pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white, and oval-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant’s tissues, causing the plant to weaken and sometimes die. To manage mealybugs, remove them from the plant by rubbing them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. You can also spray the plant with a mixture of water and neem oil to prevent further infestations.
Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They also secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants to the plant. To manage aphids, wash the leaves of the plant with a strong jet of water to remove and kill the insects. You can also spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap to prevent further infestations.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that can damage the leaves and the fruits of the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant and remove them. You can also sprinkle the plant with diatomaceous earth or use Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural insecticide, to prevent further infestations.
