Overview
Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse is a plant species belonging to the family Loganiaceae. It is a woody climber that is indigenous to East Africa, specifically Kenya and Tanzania.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "mungula" in Swahili, the native language of people of East African countries where it is found. It is also referred to as "mnyumba," "kanga," and "monongo" in the same region.
Appearance
Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse is a vine that typically grows up to 50 meters in length. It has smooth, greenish-brown bark and is covered in scattered, sharp thorns. The leaves are oblong, with a glossy, dark green surface and a lighter shade of green on the underside that appears velvety. Flowers of Strychnos harmsii are small, with a pale yellow hue, and are found on axillary cymes. The fruit is round or slightly ovoid, with a smooth surface and a whitish-yellow to light orange color when ripe.
Uses
The plant has medicinal properties that have been utilized in African traditional medicine for centuries. A decoction made from its stem is consumed as a cure for various ailments like gonorrhea, rheumatism, and body pains. The bark of the plant is said to treat malaria and toothache. The fruits are edible after peeling and boiling them twice to reduce their bitterness. The wood is also used to make walking sticks and handle tools.
Light Requirements
Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse prefers to grow in areas with direct sunlight exposure. However, it can also tolerate partial shade conditions, especially during the warmer months. Lack of adequate sunlight may result in reduced foliage, stunted growth, and poor flower formation.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions, where it can grow well in temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. It performs best in areas that have a warm and humid climate. Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse is not frost-tolerant; hence, it's vital to keep it in a warm environment during the colder months.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers to grow in well-drained soils that have a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should also be fertile and contain enough organic matter. A soil that is too dense or too wet may lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases. Therefore, it's important to ensure proper drainage when planting Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse. The addition of organic matter such as compost or aged manure can enhance the soil's fertility and improve its water-retention capacity.
Cultivation of Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse
Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse is a slow-growing, evergreen plant that is native to East Africa. It requires well-drained soil and is not tolerant of waterlogging.
The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is best propagated from seeds that have been freshly harvested and cleaned. The seeds should be soaked in hot water for 24 hours before planting.
Watering needs for Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse
Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse requires regular watering during the growing season. The plant should not be allowed to completely dry out, but care should be taken not to overwater it.
It is best to water the plant deeply and then allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. During the winter months, the plant should be watered less frequently than during the growing season.
Fertilization of Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse
While established plants do not require frequent fertilization, it is recommended to fertilize the plant with a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, can be used to enrich the soil and provide additional nutrients to the plant.
Pruning of Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse
To maintain a neat and tidy appearance, the plant can be pruned lightly during the growing season. Dead or diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed.
Heavy pruning should be avoided as it can damage the plant and slow down its growth. Pruning should only be done to remove damaged or diseased parts, or to shape the plant as desired.
Propagation of Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse
Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse, also known as the Kenyan coral tree, is a relatively rare plant species found in Africa. The plant can be propagated in several ways, including by seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest way to propagate Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse is by using seeds. The seeds of the plant can be collected from mature fruits and stored in a cool and dry place. Once ready for sowing, the seeds should be washed with hot water to soften the seed coat and allow for easier germination. The seeds can then be sown in a well-draining soil mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seedlings usually emerge within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Another way to propagate Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse is by using stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the early stages of the growing season. The cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long and have at least two nodes. The leaves should be removed from the lower one-third of the stem. The cuttings can then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in indirect light until they develop new roots and leaves, which usually takes around 3-4 weeks.
It is important to note that Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse is a slow-growing plant and may take several years to reach maturity. Therefore, it is important to be patient when propagating and growing this plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse
Strychnos harmsii Gilg & Busse is a highly valued medicinal plant used for the treatment of various diseases. However, like any other plant, it is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can impair its growth and yield. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that affect S. harmsii and their management strategies:
Diseases
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, leading to decay and eventually death. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, ensure proper drainage, and use sterilized soil. If the plant is already infected, apply a fungicide to the soil as soon as possible.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and spotting of the leaves, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, practice good sanitation by removing infected leaves and debris around the plant. Apply a fungicide to the plant as soon as you notice the symptoms.
Viral Diseases: S. harmsii is susceptible to various viral diseases such as mosaic virus, which causes yellowing and streaking of the leaves. To prevent viral diseases, ensure you buy disease-free planting materials and avoid using contaminated tools. Also, control the pests that spread the virus, such as aphids and whiteflies
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing stippling and distortion. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or oil, increase humidity around the plant, and use a forceful spray of water to dislodge the pests.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are white, fluffy pests that suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, wipe the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, and apply a systemic insecticide.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies, which feed on the leaves, leading to defoliation. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant, and apply a biological pesticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Overall, managing pests and diseases in S. harmsii involves good sanitation practices, regular monitoring, early detection, and timely intervention. With proper care, S. harmsii can flourish and provide valuable medicinal benefits.
