Overview:
Strychnos henriquesiana Baker, also known as the "Azores Nux Vomica," is a plant species belonging to the family Loganiaceae. This tropical plant is native to the Azores archipelago, an autonomous region of Portugal, where it can be found in the islands of Terceira, Faial, Pico, São Jorge, and Flores.
Common Names:
Aside from Azores Nux Vomica, Strychnos henriquesiana Baker is also known as the Azores Strychnine Tree, Azores Poison Tree, and Morrinho-de-Cão. These names show the plant's historical use in traditional medicine and as a poison to control dogs.
Uses:
The Azores Nux Vomica has medicinal and toxicological uses. In traditional medicine, the plant's bark is used to treat eye infections, while the seeds are used as emetics, laxatives, and as a remedy for fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. In parallel, the plant's toxic nature has yielded applications for rat and dog control. The Azores government has implemented an eradication program to control Strychnos henriquesiana in the archipelago due to its toxicity and invasive nature.
Appearance:
Strychnos henriquesiana Baker is a small tree or a shrub that can grow up to 8 meters tall. Its leaves are simple, smooth, and glossy, with a length of up to 25 cm. The plant has greenish-yellow flowers that can appear from August to October, followed by green fruits that turn yellow as they mature. The fruit is a capsule containing up to four seeds that are oval-shaped and are covered in a red, fibrous aril.
The Azores Nux Vomica's most distinctive feature is its toxic alkaloid content, especially strychnine, which develops throughout the plant and contains concentrations ten times higher in the seeds when compared to the bark. Due to its toxic nature, Strychnos henriquesiana Baker should only be handled by a trained professional in a controlled environment.
Growth Conditions for Strychnos henriquesiana Baker
Strychnos henriquesiana Baker, commonly known as Henriques’s kougoed, is a rare evergreen shrub that is endemic to the island of Madeira, Portugal. The plant grows up to 5 meters tall and has dark green, glossy leaves with small, fragrant flowers. To ensure proper growth and development, certain growing conditions must be met.
Light Requirements
Strychnos henriquesiana thrives in full sunlight to partial shade conditions. Ideally, the plant should be exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Too much shade can lead to excessive foliage growth, reduced flowering, and poor fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
Henriques’s kougoed is best suited to grow in warm temperatures within a subtropical climate. The plant needs temperatures between 18°C to 25°C for optimal growth and development. Low temperatures below 15°C can inhibit growth and cause leaf damage.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow well in a range of soil types, including sandy loam, sandy clay loam, and red soil. The soil should be enriched with organic matter to provide the plant with essential nutrients for growth. Additionally, adequate soil moisture is necessary for the plant to thrive.
Ensuring that the right growth conditions are met is crucial for healthy and robust Strychnos henriquesiana growth. Proper sunlight exposure, temperature, and soil conditions will ensure that the plant thrives and remains healthy for years to come.
Cultivation
Strychnos henriquesiana Baker, also known as the stinkwood tree, is a slow-growing plant that requires regular care to thrive. It prefers a warm and humid climate with well-draining soil and partial shade. The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs
The stinkwood tree needs regular watering, especially during the growth period. Water the plant deeply but infrequently to prevent waterlogging. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The stinkwood tree requires regular fertilization during the growth period. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every two to three months, following the recommended dosage. Avoid overfertilization as it can cause leaf burn and other nutrient imbalances.
Pruning
The stinkwood tree requires minimal pruning; however, it is important to remove any dead or damaged branches regularly. Prune the plant selectively, removing only the branches that are interfering with the growth or look unsightly. Avoid heavy pruning as it can cause stress to the plant and affects its recovery.
Propagation of Strychnos henriquesiana Baker
Strychnos henriquesiana Baker is a plant species that belongs to the Loganiaceae family.
Propagation Methods
The propagation of Strychnos henriquesiana Baker can be done through various methods, including by seed, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seed is the most common method for Strychnos henriquesiana Baker. The seeds should be sown during the spring or early summer, in soil that is well-drained and has some amount of organic matter. The seeds should be sown up to a depth of 1 cm and kept moist until germination. Germination generally takes around one to two months.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagation by stem cutting can be done during the spring or summer. A stem cutting of around 10-15 cm in length should be taken from a healthy plant, with a few leaves still attached. The leaves should be removed from the lower portion of the stem, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a pot with soil that is well-drained and has some amount of organic matter. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a bright location where it will receive indirect sunlight.
Layering Propagation
Propagation by layering can be done in the spring or summer. A branch from the parent plant should be selected and bended to the ground. A slit should be made on the branch in contact with the soil, and the branch should be slightly covered with soil. The branch should be kept moist until roots begin to appear, which generally takes around two to three months. Once roots have appeared, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
Strychnos henriquesiana Baker is susceptible to several diseases, including leaf spot, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora sp. and appears as small, dark spots on leaves, which eventually grow and merge. Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum sp. and is characterized by circular, sunken spots with pink margins. Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe sp. and appears as a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation and remove infected plant parts. Fungicides can also be applied as preventatives or curatives. Copper-based fungicides are effective against leaf spot and anthracnose, while sulfur-based fungicides are effective against powdery mildew.
Pest Management
The main pests that affect Strychnos henriquesiana Baker are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Mealybugs appear as white, cotton-like masses on leaves and stems, while spider mites cause yellow or bronze discoloration on leaves and fine webbing. Scale insects, on the other hand, are characterized by small, round bumps on stems and leaves.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for infestations. Mealybugs and scale insects can be removed with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. In severe infestations, systemic insecticides may be necessary.
