Strychnos gossweileri Exell: Origin and Common Names
Strychnos gossweileri Exell, also known as the "Pink-stalked Poison Rope" or "Kiruwa" in the local Cameroonian Shisong language, is a plant species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. This plant is commonly found in the tropical forests of Western Africa, particularly in Cameroon and Nigeria.
General Appearance
Strychnos gossweileri Exell is a small to medium-sized tree that usually grows up to 10 meters in height. It has a slender trunk with a diameter of about 20 centimeters. The bark of the tree is dark brown, rough, and fissured. The leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate, with a length of 5-12 centimeters. The flowers are large and pentamerous, with a pinkish color, and are borne in terminal cymes.
Uses
The bark and roots of Strychnos gossweileri Exell contain toxic alkaloids, mainly strychnine and brucine. These alkaloids have been used for their medicinal properties by traditional healers in Africa. The bark and roots are used to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Strychnos gossweileri Exell is also used as a source of fiber for making ropes and cords. The stem bark is pounded and processed to extract the fiber, which is then spun into ropes. The soft bark is also used for making cloth or clothing.
Due to the toxic nature of the plant, it is not recommended to use it for any purposes without proper expert guidance and supervision.
Light Requirements
Strychnos gossweileri Exell typically thrives in areas with high sunlight exposure. As such, it is recommended that the plant is grown in locations with enough natural light access and open canopies. This means that the ideal site for growing the plant would be somewhere with partial or complete exposure to direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a warm and humid environment to thrive. It typically grows well in tropical and subtropical areas with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. In areas with colder temperatures, it's advisable to grow the plant indoors in a greenhouse or use artificial heating methods to maintain the optimal temperature range.
Soil Requirements
The strychnos gossweileri Exell plant thrives in well-drained soils with high moisture content. The soil should be rich in organic matter and be slightly acidic with a pH between 5 and 7. It's recommended that the soil should be well-aerated to promote root growth and development. The use of sand and perlite as soil additives can improve drainage and prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Strychnos Gossweileri Exell
Strychnos gossweileri Exell is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It can grow up to 20 meters tall, and requires ample space to spread out its roots. The plant prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter and plenty of sunlight. It is ideal to grow the plant in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.
Watering Needs for Strychnos Gossweileri Exell
Proper watering is crucial for the growth of Strychnos gossweileri Exell. The plant requires moderate watering, but is sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. It is best to water the plant every two to three days, and decrease watering during the winter months when the plant goes dormant.
Fertilization for Strychnos Gossweileri Exell
Fertilizer aids in the growth of Strychnos gossweileri Exell. The plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer with a 1:1:1 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer at least once a month, following instructions on the fertilizer label, and avoid over-fertilizing as it can cause the leaves to burn.
Pruning for Strychnos Gossweileri Exell
Strychnos gossweileri Exell requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant during its dormant period, which is usually in the fall or winter because the plant is less active during this time. It is best to remove dead or diseased branches, and any branches that have grown too tall. This encourages the plant to generate new growth, which promotes an abundant harvest.
Propagation of Strychnos gossweileri Exell
Strychnos gossweileri Exell is a rare tree species found in Africa. It belongs to the Loganiaceae family and is commonly known as "small-fruited monkey orange" due to its orange-sized fruit. If you want to propagate this plant, you have a few options:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Strychnos gossweileri Exell is through seed propagation. You should collect the seeds only when they are fully ripe. You can identify ripe seeds by their color, which changes from green to yellow or orange. If the seeds are not mature, they will not germinate. Once you have obtained mature seeds, clean them and remove any surrounding fruit before sowing them in the soil. The ideal soil mixture should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Sow the seeds at a depth of about 1 cm and water them gently. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Strychnos gossweileri Exell can also be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings from a healthy mother plant during the active growth period, typically from late spring to early autumn. Choose a stem with no flowers or fruit. The cutting should be about 10-15 cm long, with 2-4 leaves. Remove the lower leaves of the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in a rooting mixture that is a blend of sand and peat. Place the cutting in a well-lit area, being careful not to expose it to direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist and maintain high humidity by covering the cutting with a plastic bag. The cutting should root in about two to three months. After rooting, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or the ground.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method for Strychnos gossweileri Exell. It involves wounding a section of the stem near a leaf node and applying a rooting hormone to encourage the development of roots. Cover the area with a moist sphagnum moss, then wrap it with plastic wrap. In about six to eight weeks, the area should begin to develop roots, and you can cut the new plant from the mother plant and transplant it.
Propagation of Strychnos gossweileri Exell can be done using any of these three methods. However, seed propagation is the most straightforward and commonly used method for this species.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos gossweileri Exell
Strychnos gossweileri Exell is a tree species that belongs to the Strychnos genus, and it is commonly found in central and eastern Africa. Like any other plant species, S. gossweileri Exell can be affected by various pests and diseases that can negatively affect its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Anthracnose - Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, ensuring that they do not come into contact with healthy plants. Also, ensure good crop rotation and avoid overwatering the plants, as this can create a conducive environment for the fungus to thrive.
Root Rots - Root rot is a fungal disease that can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plants, ensure proper drainage, and plant resistant varieties. Also, ensure that the soil is not waterlogged and provide the plants with good aeration.
Bacterial Canker - Bacterial canker is a disease that can cause stem cankers and leaf spots. To manage bacterial canker, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, ensure good hygiene practices, and use disease-free planting materials. Also, avoid overwatering the plants, and ensure the plants have good air circulation.
Common Pests
Mealybugs - Mealybugs are small insects that can suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and chlorosis. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, ensure good hygiene practices and remove and destroy heavily infested plants.
Aphids - Aphids can cause curling of leaves, stunted growth, and transmit viruses. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs. Also, ensure good hygiene practices and remove and destroy heavily infested plants.
Spider Mites - Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing of leaves and defoliation. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce natural predators like predatory mites. Also, ensure good hygiene practices and remove and destroy heavily infested plants.
In conclusion, managing pests and diseases in S. gossweileri Exell is critical to ensure its growth and productivity. Regular scouting, good hygiene practices, and prompt control measures are essential in preventing and managing pests and diseases in the plant.
