Origin
Strychnos excellens Gilg, also known as the Gopherwood Tree, is a species of tree native to sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Besides being called Gopherwood Tree, Strychnos excellens Gilg is also commonly known as the "Mamba Tree," referring to the notorious black mamba snake which can often be found residing in the tree's hollow trunk. In Swahili, it is called the "Mkange," while in Shona, it is known as the "Mufufuti" and the "Mugandi" in Kalanga.
Uses
For centuries, the Gopherwood Tree has been used in African traditional medicine to remedy a wide range of ailments. Its bark, leaves, and roots contain a variety of compounds like strychnine, brucine, cafestol, and kioskianol that possess both medicinal and toxic properties. Extracts from Strychnos excellens Gilg have been used as a pain reliever, to heal fractures and wounds, to promote appetite, and as a treatment for malaria, among other ailments.
Furthermore, its wood has been used for making bows, canoes, and other tools, while its fruit and leaves provide a nutritious and abundant food source for a range of wildlife, including elephants, primates, antelopes, and birds.
General Appearance
The Gopherwood Tree is an evergreen tree that grows up to 15 meters tall and has a trunk that can reach up to 60 centimeters in diameter. The tree's bark is gray-brown, rough, and corky, while its leaves are large, glossy, and deep green in color. The Gopherwood Tree bears small, fragrant flowers that are either yellow or green in color, and its fruit is a large, woody capsule filled with numerous small, hard seeds.
Growth Conditions for Strychnos excellens Gilg
Strychnos excellens Gilg is a plant species that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is native to Africa, particularly in Angola, Tanzania, and Zambia. This plant requires specific growth conditions for optimal development.
Light Requirements
Strychnos excellens Gilg thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. This means that the plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight to grow correctly. However, it is essential to provide some shading during the hottest part of the day to prevent sun damage, especially for young plants. Inadequate light can result in stunted plant growth and weakened stem sections. This can eventually lead to an inability to bear fruits.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos excellens Gilg grows well in tropical and subtropical climates, with an ideal temperature range of 25-30°C. The plant can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, but it may stop growing if exposed to frost. Young plants are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures and need extra protection during winter. Care should be taken to avoid prolonged exposure of the plant to high winds, which can cause leaf browning and dehydration.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers loamy soils that are well-drained and rich in organic matter. Sandy soils may also be used, but they require frequent watering since they don't retain enough water. Strychnos excellens Gilg grows best in soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It is vital to avoid planting this plant species in soils that are too compact, as it may interfere with overall root growth. The plant also requires occasional fertilization for optimal growth and fruit production.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos excellens Gilg, commonly known as the poison rope, is a small tree that is found in tropical Africa. It can be grown in pots or in the ground in warm, humid areas that are protected from the wind. The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soils that are slightly acidic to neutral in pH. It grows best in areas that receive full to partial sunlight.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Strychnos excellens Gilg, it is important to maintain relatively moist soil conditions, but not too wet. They require more watering during the growing season, and less during the winter months. However, excessive watering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to check the soil's moisture level before watering.
Fertilization
Strychnos excellens Gilg can benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flower production. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium can be applied every two to three weeks. It is important to follow the fertilizer instructions, to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to toxicity in this particular plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to control growth and to maintain the desired shape of Strychnos excellens Gilg. It is typically done during the dormant season, primarily in the early months of the year. The plant should be pruned to remove dead or diseased parts, any weak or crossing branches, and to create a stronger structure. It is also crucial to remove any suckers, which are shoots that grow from the base of the plant. Regular pruning will lead to a healthier and more productive plant.
Propagation of Strychnos Excellens Gilg
Strychnos excellens Gilg, commonly known as the "Natal orange," is a slow-growing evergreen tree that is native to coastal forests of eastern South Africa and Mozambique. The tree grows up to 15 meters tall and produces small, sweetly fragrant white or yellow flowers. It is propagated through sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The tree produces seeds inside fleshy, oval-shaped fruits that are about the size of a plum and turn yellow when ripe. To obtain seeds, the fruit should be picked from the tree when mature and allowed to dry naturally. Once the fruit is dry, the seeds should be removed and washed thoroughly to remove any remaining flesh. The seeds should then be sown in pots filled with well-draining soil mix and placed in a warm and humid environment until they germinate.
Asexual Propagation
The tree can also be propagated through asexual methods such as cuttings and layering. Stem cuttings of 15-20 cm length should be taken from mature trees and treated with rooting hormone before they are planted in well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be placed in a warm and humid environment, and they will develop roots within 6-10 weeks.
Alternatively, layering can also be used to propagate the tree. A low branch from the mature tree can be covered with soil and kept moist until it develops roots. Once roots form, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos excellens Gilg
Strychnos excellens Gilg, commonly known as the coral orange vine, is a plant species found in Africa. It has a variety of uses, including medicinal and ornamental purposes. However, the plant is prone to several diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Some of these are:
Diseases
Leaf spot diseases: The plant is susceptible to various leaf spot diseases caused by different fungi and bacteria. Symptoms include yellowing of leaves, spots, and necrotic lesions. Removing infected leaves, practicing good sanitation, and using fungicides can help manage leaf spot diseases.
Root rot: Overwatering and poorly drained soils can lead to root rot, which is caused by different fungi and bacteria. Symptoms include stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. Maintaining proper soil moisture levels, improving soil structure, and using fungicides can help manage root rot.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by different fungi that grow on the surface of the plant, resulting in white or grayish powder on leaves. Infected leaves may curl and turn yellow. Removing infected leaves, increasing air circulation, and using fungicides can help manage powdery mildew.
Pests
Mites: Spider mites and eriophyid mites can damage the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, causing discoloration and deformation. Using insecticidal soaps, increasing humidity levels, and introducing natural predators can help manage mites.
Scale insects: These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Using insecticidal soaps, physically removing the scales, and introducing natural predators can help manage scale insects.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow. They excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew that attracts other pests. Using insecticidal soaps and introducing natural predators can help manage aphids.
It is essential to practice good sanitation practices, such as removing infected leaves and sterilizing tools, to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Insecticides and fungicides should be used as a last resort and only when necessary to avoid harm to beneficial insects.
