Overview of Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb.
Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. is a plant that belongs to the family of Loganiaceae. It is commonly known as "Yacón del Cerro" or "West African false sausage tree." The plant is native to the tropical African countries of Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. It is mainly found in the evergreen and semi-deciduous forests of these countries.
Appearance and Characteristics
The Strychnos fallax tree is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk with a smooth bark that is grayish-brown in color. The branches are horizontal and arranged in a whorled pattern, giving the tree a distinctive appearance. The leaves are simple, opposite, and have an elliptical shape with a pointed tip. They are dark green, glossy, and can grow up to 15 cm long.
The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers that are arranged in clusters and have a pleasant fragrance. The fruit of Strychnos fallax is a woody capsule that is spherical or ellipsoid in shape. When ripe, the fruit turns yellowish-brown and splits open to reveal the seeds. The seeds are flattened, circular, and have a diameter of about 2 cm.
Medicinal Uses
The bark, leaves, and seeds of Strychnos fallax are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The plant contains alkaloids such as strychnine and brucine, which have pharmacological properties such as anti-malarial, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory. The bark of the tree is used to treat fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The seeds are used to treat skin infections, and the leaves are used to treat headaches, stomachache, and as a sedative.
Cultural Significance
The Strychnos fallax tree is considered sacred in some African cultures, and it is used in traditional rituals and ceremonies. The tree is also used for timber and is prized for its durability and resistance to rot. Additionally, the tree is used as a shade tree in agroforestry systems, and its fruit is consumed by birds and small mammals.
Growth Conditions for Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb.
Light: Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. grows best in full sunlight and partial shade environments. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimum growth.
Temperature: The plant thrives in warm climates with temperatures ranging between 21°C and 30°C. It cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold temperatures. It is advisable to protect it from temperatures below 10°C.
Soil: Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. prefers well-draining soils with pH levels ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, sandy, loamy, and fertile to provide essential nutrients for growth. The plant does not do well in waterlogged and compact soils, which can cause root rot and other problems.
Water: The plant requires regular watering to maintain its growth and ensure a healthy root system. It should be watered once or twice per week, depending on the weather condition. This allows the soil to dry out between watering, preventing waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilizer: Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. requires regular fertilization to ensure adequate nutrient supply. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is ideal. It should be applied every three months during the growing season.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings. However, stem cuttings have a higher success rate than seeds. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
Cultivation Methods for Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb.
Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb., commonly known as the African Monkey Orange, is a tropical tree that can grow up to 12 meters tall. The plant thrives in tropical areas and is sensitive to frost. It prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. Plant the seeds in the soil at a depth of 1 to 2 centimeters and keep them moist.
Watering Needs for Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb.
The Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. requires adequate watering to keep the soil slightly moist at all times. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but it's best to water it regularly to encourage healthy growth. Avoid overwatering the plant, as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce the evaporation rate.
Fertilization for Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb.
Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. requires regular fertilization to keep it healthy and promote growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every three months during the growing season. You can also incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil's fertility. Be careful not to apply too much fertilizer, as this can cause excess growth and weaker branches.
Pruning for Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb.
In general, Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. does not require pruning. However, if you need to shape the plant or remove any dead or damaged branches, prune it during the early spring before the growing season begins. Use sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts to avoid damaging the tree. Be careful not to overdo it with pruning, as this can weaken the plant and reduce its yield.
Propagation of Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb.
Propagating Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. can be done through different methods:
Seed propagation
Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. can be propagated through seeds, which can be collected from the ripe fruit. It is important to note that the seeds need to be soaked in water for several days to soften the hard seed coat before sowing. After soaking, plant the seeds in a mixture of well-draining soil and keep it moist. Germination usually takes a few weeks to months. Beware that strychnine, a poisonous compound, resides in the seeds and it can be harmful when ingested.
Cuttings propagation
Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take the cuttings from the mature stems during the dormant season. Remove the leaves at the bottom and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mixture and keep it moist. Place the container in a warm and bright environment, away from direct sunlight. The success rate of this method can be improved by covering the container with a clear plastic bag to increase humidity.
Layering propagation
Another propagation method for Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. is through layering. Girdle a section of a mature stem and dust with rooting hormone powder. Bury the girdled section in the soil and mound soil over it. When roots have formed, cut the rooted stem from the mother plant and transplant it to a separate container to grow.
Disease Management
Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. is susceptible to several diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are the most common ones:
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease affects the leaves of the plant causing circular or angular spots that are brown or yellowish in color. The spots can merge, leading to premature defoliation. To manage leaf spot, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and a fungicide should be applied to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne pathogens that infect the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and leading to wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, proper drainage should be ensured, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease affects the leaves of the plant causing a white or grayish powdery coating. The disease can reduce the plant's vigor and yield. To manage powdery mildew, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and a fungicide should be applied to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Strychnos fallax Leeuwenb. can also be affected by several pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are the most common ones:
- Scales: These insects suck the sap of the plant causing yellowing, stunted growth, and premature leaf drop. To manage scales, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and insecticides should be applied to control the pest.
- Mealybugs: These insects also suck the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing. They produce a white waxy coating that can be easily seen on the plant's surface. To manage mealybugs, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and insecticides should be applied to control the pest.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and can be easily overlooked. They suck the sap of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and premature leaf drop. To manage spider mites, the plant should be sprayed with water to remove the pests, and insecticides should be applied to control the pest.
Regular monitoring of the plant can help detect any signs of disease or pest infestation early, allowing for prompt management and control of the problem.
