Overview
Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg is a tree species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. The tree is native to tropical Africa, particularly in the regions of Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. It is commonly known as the "monkey orange" due to its yellow-orange fruit that resembles a small pumpkin or an orange fruit. The plant's bark, roots, leaves, and fruit are used for medicinal purposes, and it is known for its high toxicity levels.Appearance
Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg typically grows up to 7 meters tall, and its trunk is covered with a rough and deeply fissured bark. The tree produces simple, opposite, and smooth leaves, which are about 10-25cm in length with a pointed tip. The flowers are greenish-white and are produced in clusters, with each flowering being about 2-3 cm in diameter. The fruit is round or oval-shaped and is usually 4-10cm in diameter. The fruit has a hard and woody outer shell and soft, grainy pulp inside that contains numerous fibrous seeds.Uses
The plant's bark, leaves, fruit, and roots have been used for different medicinal purposes by African traditional healers. The fruit is eaten as a snack by the locals, and it is a good source of riboflavin, ascorbic acid, and niacin. The bark and roots of the plant are used to treat malaria, dysentery, fever, rheumatism, and intestinal parasites. The seeds of the plant are poisonous, and they are used as a medicine to treat animal bites and as a pesticide. The plant's bark and fruit are also used in the production of traditional African beer and wine. Overall, Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg is an essential plant in African traditional medicine and plays a vital role in the livelihood of many local communities.Light Conditions
Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg is a tropical plant that requires adequate sunlight to thrive. It is recommended to grow this plant in areas with bright but indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves of the plant, thereby impacting its growth and survival. If you are growing it indoors, place it near a well-lit window that provides filtered sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg grows well in a warm, humid climate. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 25-30? (77-86?). This means that it cannot withstand frost or cold climate, and you should avoid growing it in such regions. Furthermore, you should place the plant in areas with good air circulation to ensure that it receives adequate moisture.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg is not too picky when it comes to soil, but it requires well-drained and nutrient-rich soil to grow. The soil pH should range from 6.0 to 7.5. Sandy loam or loamy soil works well for its growth. However, ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as it can lead to root rot. You can improve the soil quality by adding organic matter such as compost, manure, or leaf litter. Additionally, it is best to fertilize this plant every three months to provide it with the required nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg is a tropical plant that can tolerate partial shade or direct sunlight. It prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. If you are using stem cuttings, make sure they are taken from healthy plants that are at least six months old. Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting in a seedbed. The seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots or the field when they are six to eight weeks old.
Watering Needs
Watering is an essential aspect of Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg cultivation. The plant requires a well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. During planting and the first four weeks after transplanting, the plant should be watered regularly to promote root establishment. The frequency of watering can be reduced once the plant is established.
Fertilization
An adequate supply of nutrients is crucial for Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg. You should provide enough nutrients to ensure that the plant grows vigorously and produces high yields. A balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied at least four times a year. Composting can also be used to provide organic matter, which improves soil fertility. Proper fertilization helps the plant fight pest and disease attacks.
Pruning
Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg requires pruning to promote proper growth and development. Prune the plant to remove dead or diseased wood and ensure that it does not grow too tall, which can lead to instability. A tree that is not pruned may become dense, which can create a haven for pests and diseases. Pruning should be done after harvesting, during the plant's dormant phase. The plant should only be pruned to remove diseased or damaged wood but not overpruned.
Propagation of Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg
The plant Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg can be propagated using both sexual and asexual methods. Here are the details of the propagation methods:
Seeds
Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg can be propagated from seeds. The seeds should be collected when they are fully ripe, which is indicated by the fruit turning yellowish-brown. The seeds should then be cleaned and treated with a fungicide to prevent fungal growth.
Next, the seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mixed with sand. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The best planting time is at the beginning of the rainy season.
In about 2 to 4 weeks, the seeds should germinate, and the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots once they are big enough to handle. The seedlings can be gradually hardened off and shifted to larger containers until they are ready to be planted in their permanent location.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are another method of propagating Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg. The stem cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth from healthy and disease-free plants. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long, and the leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a warm and bright location, but not in direct sunlight.
Roots should start to form in about 2 to 3 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots until they are ready to be planted in their permanent location.
Air layering
Air layering is a less common but effective method of propagating Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg. This method involves making a small, shallow cut on a branch, below a leaf node, and then packing moist sphagnum moss around the cut area.
The area should be wrapped tightly with plastic wrap to hold the moss in place. Roots should start to form in about 4 to 6 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into a new container or directly into the ground.
Disease Management for Strychnos Hippocrateoides
Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg is a robust plant that is generally resistant to most diseases. However, under certain circumstances such as unfavorable environmental and growth conditions, the plant can become susceptible to some diseases which include;
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease caused by the Colletotrichum spp. It affects the leaves and fruits of the plant, causing them to have circular or irregular-shaped spots. The disease is mainly spread through water, and the spread can be managed by avoiding high humidity levels and overwatering. Fungicides such as chlorothalonil can be used to manage the spread of the disease.
- Leaf rust: This is a fungal disease caused by the Puccinia spp. It causes yellow to brownish spots on the leaves of the plant and can lead to defoliation. The disease is mainly spread through wind and can be managed by removing infected leaves and spraying fungicides such as copper-based fungicides.
- Canker: This is a fungal disease caused by the Botryodiplodia theobromae fungi. It affects the bark and stem of the plant, causing it to split and die. The disease is mainly spread by improper pruning and can be managed by physically removing the infected parts and spraying fungicides.
- Root rot: This is a disease caused by soil-borne fungi such as Phytophthora spp. It affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and eventually leading to plant death. It is mainly spread through overwatering and poor drainage. It can be managed by improving soil drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Pest Management for Strychnos Hippocrateoides
Strychnos hippocrateoides Gilg is also relatively resistant to pests. However, it can occasionally be attacked by some pests such as;
- Mealybugs: These are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant and cause it to wilt. They are mainly found around the roots, stems, and leaves of the plant. They can be managed by physically removing them or spraying insecticides such as neonicotinoids.
- Scale insects: These are small insects that attach themselves to the stem and leaves of the plant. They can cause stunted growth and wilting of the plant. They can be managed by physically removing them and spraying insecticides such as pyrethroids.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the plant causing it to wilt and develop yellow spots. They are mainly found on the underside of the leaves. They can be managed by physically removing them with a strong jet of water or spraying insecticides such as acaricides.
It is important to note that all pesticides and fungicides should be used according to the instructions on the label to avoid harming the plant or the environment.
