Origin
Strychnos guerkeana Gilg, also known as African monkey orange, is a fruit-bearing tree found in the tropical regions of Africa. This plant is native to Zambia, Angola, and Namibia, where it grows in woodland areas and rocky outcrops.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as African monkey orange due to the orange, fleshy, and edible fruits that resemble a monkey's head. It is also known as Mkongo wa Tembo in Swahili and Konda wa Malema in Chibemba.
Uses
The plant has numerous uses, including medicinal and cultural significance. The fruit and bark contain strychnine, a toxic alkaloid, which is widely used as a pesticide and in traditional medicine. The indigenous people use the plant's bark and roots to treat stomach ailments, fever, and even epilepsy. The fruit is used to make jam and wine, while the seeds are used for fire lighting and are also believed to have medicinal properties.
General Appearance
Strychnos guerkeana Gilg is a perennial tree that can grow up to 6 meters high, with a thick trunk and rough bark. The leaves are shiny and dark green, and the flowers are small, cream-colored, and found in clusters. The fruit is orange or yellow, roughly 6-7 cm in diameter, and has a hard, rough skin. The pulp is white, and each fruit contains a few seeds.
Growth Conditions of Strychnos guerkeana Gilg
Strychnos guerkeana Gilg is a tropical tree native to the eastern part of southern Africa. The plant is adapted to grow in several habitats with varying growth conditions that include; riverine forests, sandy coastal dunes, and woodland savannah.
Light Requirements
S. guerkeana requires a significant amount of sunlight to grow properly. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, although it prefers the former. At least six hours of sunlight per day is ideal for the plant. Excessive shade causes poor development and may lead to the death of the tree in severe cases.
Temperature Requirements
S. guerkeana grows well in warm tropical and subtropical regions. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20^oC to 30^oC. However, the maximum and minimum temperatures that it can tolerate are 40^oC and 0^oC, respectively. Temperatures below 15^oC may cause the plant to go dormant.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH that ranges between 5.5 and 7.5. The ideal soil type is sandy to loamy. The plant is sensitive to waterlogging and may die if grown in areas with poor drainage.
Water Requirements
S. guerkeana requires moderate to high amounts of water for optimal growth. It prefers areas that receive 800-1200 mm of rainfall per year, distributed evenly throughout the year. However, the plant is drought tolerant and can survive prolonged periods of low moisture but with reduced growth rates.
Cultivation Methods for Strychnos Guerkeana Gilg
Strychnos guerkeana Gilg, also known as the velvet monkey orange, is a slow-growing evergreen tree that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. When cultivating this plant, it is important to choose a location with well-draining soil and partial shade. The plant prefers a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Propagation can be done through seed germination or stem cuttings. For seed germination, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting, and keep the soil moist until the seedling has established. For stem cuttings, use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut a 6-8 inch stem from the tree, and plant in moist soil. Keep the soil moist and in partial shade until the cutting has established roots.
Watering Needs for Strychnos Guerkeana Gilg
The velvet monkey orange requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, but adjust the frequency based on the weather and humidity levels. During the dry season, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization for Strychnos Guerkeana Gilg
For optimal growth, the plant benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every three months to promote healthy growth and flowering. Use a slow-release fertilizer, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rate.
Pruning for Strychnos Guerkeana Gilg
Pruning is not necessary for the velvet monkey orange, but it can help maintain its shape and promote new growth. As the plant grows, trim back any dead or damaged branches. To encourage bushier growth, cut back the tip of new shoots by up to 50%.
Propagation of Strychnos guerkeana Gilg
Strychnos guerkeana Gilg, commonly known as Muteta, is a perennial tree that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. The plant is native to eastern and southeastern regions of Africa and is prized for its medicinal properties. While the tree can be propagated through vegetative methods like grafting, seed propagation is the most common and effective method.
Seed Propagation
The fruit of Strychnos guerkeana Gilg is a woody capsule that contains small winged seeds. The best time to collect these seeds is when the fruit has matured and the capsules have burst open. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in warm water for a day to soften the hard seed coat. Some gardeners prefer to rub the seeds against a coarse surface to remove the seed coat before soaking.
The seeds can be sown in trays or pots filled with well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated, and the trays/pots should be covered with a plastic sheet or a glass pane to create a humid environment. The seeds can take up to 3 months to germinate.
You can also sow the seeds directly in the ground where you want them to grow. Make sure to prepare the soil well by tilling and loosening it to a depth of at least 20 cm. Sow the seeds 2-3 cm deep and cover with soil. Ensure that you water the area regularly until the seedlings emerge.
Vegetative Propagation
Strychnos guerkeana Gilg can also be propagated through vegetative methods, although these are not commonly used due to low success rates. Grafting with rootstock from related species is one way to propagate the plant vegetatively. However, grafting requires specialized skills and is therefore not recommended for novice gardeners.
Another vegetative method is the use of stem cuttings. Take 15-20 cm long cuttings with a diameter of 0.5-1 cm from the parent tree. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant the stem in a pot filled with moist sand. Place the pot in a shaded area and keep the sand moist until roots develop. This method has a very low success rate, and it is advisable to use seed propagation instead.
Overall, seed propagation is the easiest and most effective way to propagate Strychnos guerkeana Gilg. However, it is important to keep in mind that the plant has a slow growth rate, and it may take several years before it reaches maturity.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos guerkeana Gilg
Strychnos guerkeana Gilg is a medicinal plant with various uses, including the treatment of malaria, fever, and other diseases. To ensure optimal growth and health of the plant, it is essential to manage its susceptibility to disease and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Strychnos guerkeana Gilg is leafspot caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora spp. Symptoms of this disease include yellowing, necrosis, and defoliation of leaves. Another common disease is powdery mildew caused by the fungus Erysiphe spp. This disease appears as a white powdery substance on leaves.
Management of Diseases
The best way to manage Cercospora leafspot in Strychnos guerkeana Gilg is by removing infected leaves and destroying them to prevent further spread of the disease. Fungicides may also be used, but it is recommended to choose products that do not harm beneficial insects. For powdery mildew, the primary control measure is to maintain proper air circulation around the plants to reduce humidity. Fungicides may also be used to control severe infections.
Common Pests
The most common pests that may attack Strychnos guerkeana Gilg include aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs. These pests suck the sap from the plant, causing weakened growth, yellowing, and deformation of leaves.
Management of Pests
The use of insecticides is one of the most effective ways to control aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs in Strychnos guerkeana Gilg. However, it is crucial to choose insecticides that do not harm beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs. Natural predators such as green lacewings, predatory mites, and parasitic wasps are also useful in controlling pest populations. Additionally, regular pruning and cleaning of the plant can help reduce pest infestations by removing any hiding places for pests to breed.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Strychnos guerkeana Gilg through preventive measures such as proper plant care and the use of organic control methods can ensure the plant's health and productivity.
