Origin
Strychnos gonioides P.A.Duvign. is a plant that is indigenous to southern Africa. It can be found growing in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, and Swaziland.
Common Names
This plant has several common names including Tamboti, Spotted-leaved Strychnos, and umtungulu (Zulu).
Uses
Strychnos gonioides P.A.Duvign. has been used medicinally by indigenous peoples in southern Africa for centuries. The bark, roots, and leaves of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments including stomach complaints, anxiety, and as an antidote to poisoning by snakebite. In addition to its medicinal uses, the wood of the Tamboti tree is highly prized for its hardness and durability and is used in the construction of furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.
General Appearance
Strychnos gonioides P.A.Duvign. is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. The tree has a fairly dense canopy and an upright growth habit. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped with pointed tips. They are dark green in color and have distinctive white spots on the upper surface of the leaf. The tree produces small white or cream-colored flowers that are followed by green fruit that ripens to yellow or orange. The fruit is about the size of a golf ball and has a hard shell that encases several seeds.
Light Requirements
Strychnos goniodes typically grows in full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, however it thrives best in areas with sufficient sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to warm-temperate to tropical areas and therefore requires high temperatures to thrive. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20 and 30°C. Cold temperatures can cause harm to the plant, and they should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos goniodes prefers well-drained soils with a pH range between 6 and 7.5. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is essential to avoid waterlogging, as it can damage the plant's roots. Regularly adding organic matter to the soil can improve its fertility and water-holding capacity.
Cultivation
Strychnos gonioides P.A.Duvign. is a hardy plant that can be grown in a variety of soils. The best soil type for this plant is well-draining, loamy soil with high organic content. The soil pH should range between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth. This plant can be propagated through seed or cuttings. When planting, ensure that the hole is deeper than the roots but not wider. Firm the soil around the plant to prevent air pockets which could cause the roots to dry out.
Watering needs
It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply at least once a week, especially during the dry season. Ensure that the water reaches the roots and not only the surface. Avoid splashing water on the foliage as this could lead to fungal diseases. Overwatering could lead to root rot, which could be fatal to the plant.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization for optimum growth, especially during the growing period. Use a balanced fertilizer, with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In the first year of cultivation, fertilizer should be added every three months. Subsequent years, apply fertilizer every six months. Mix the fertilizer with water and apply to the base of the plant, avoiding contact with the foliage.
Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the size of the plant and improve air circulation and light penetration, especially for older plants. Prune the plant in the early months of the year when the plant is dormant. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back the bushy growth to retain the desired shape and size. To encourage the growth of new branches, make the cuts above the leaf node.
Propagation of Strychnos gonioides P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos gonioides P.A.Duvign. can be propagated through both seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Strychnos gonioides P.A.Duvign. should be collected when they are ripe and fully developed. The collected seeds can be sowed in a well-draining potting mix or directly in the ground. It is recommended to sow the seeds in spring or early summer as the optimal temperature for germination is around 25 to 30°C.
Before sowing the seeds, they should be soaked in cold water for 24 hours to break their hard seed coat. This process known as scarification can help enhance the germination rate. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 to 2 cm and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take up to 4 to 6 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Strychnos gonioides P.A.Duvign. The best time to take cuttings is during the early spring or summer. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy, disease-free plant and should be about 10 to 20 cm long with at least one node.
The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to enhance root growth. The cutting should be inserted into a well-draining potting mix, watered, and placed in a warm, bright location. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Rooting can take 3 to 4 weeks, after which the young plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly in the ground.
Disease Management of Strychnos gonioides P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos gonioides is a relatively hardy plant species and can resist many diseases. However, some fungal and bacterial pathogens can cause harm to the plant.
One common disease that affects Strychnos gonioides is root rot. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in damp soils. The infected plant exhibits yellowing of leaves, premature leaf drop, and plant wilting. To manage root rot, one should avoid overwatering, waterlogging, and planting in poorly drained soils. Applying a fungicide can also help control the disease.
Another common disease that affects Strychnos gonioides is leaf spot. It is caused by a fungal pathogen that attacks the leaves, resulting in spots that can coalesce into large necrotic regions and eventually lead to early defoliation. To prevent leaf spot, avoid watering the plant's leaves and reduce plant overcrowding. Fungicides can also be applied.
Virus diseases that affect Strychnos gonioides are rarely reported.
Pest Management of Strychnos gonioides P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos gonioides is also vulnerable to pest infestations. The common pests that affect it include stem borers, aphids, and whiteflies.
Stem borers can cause wilting of the plants, withering of the leaves, and plant death. Regular checking by inspecting plant parts such as the stem and leaves for insect damage, or the presence of any larvae or eggs, may help detect the presence of stem borers. One can use insecticides or physically remove the borers using a sharp object.
Aphids and whiteflies both feed on the leaves and sap of the plant. Their presence results in stunted plant growth, yellowing of leaves, and curling of the leaves. To control these pests, you can use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap to coat the leaves of the plant. Additionally, you can introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs to control both aphids and whiteflies.
Note that some insecticides can cause harm, therefore, read and follow instructions before using any insecticide. Avoid using insecticides that are toxic to pollinators such as bees.
