Introduction
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera (Gilg & Busse) P.A.Duvign. is a plant species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is endemic to Africa and is commonly found in Tanzania, Cameroon and Ethiopia.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including "Mbono" in Tanzania, "Luwawa" in Cameroon, and "Wenzelulu" in Ethiopia.
Appearance
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera is a medium-sized tree that typically grows up to 12 meters in height. It has a straight bole and a rounded crown. The bark is grayish-brown, and the younger stems are covered in a layer of fine hairs.
The leaves are opposite, simple, elliptical, glossy green on top and paler beneath. The flowers are greenish-white and small in size, and they typically bloom during the dry season. The fruits are spherical, about 3 cm in diameter, and turn from green to yellow when ripe. The pulp is soft and sweet while the seed inside is hard and black.
Uses
The plant has various uses in traditional medicine. The bark, leaves, and roots contain alkaloids such as strychnine and brucine that are used as a purgative, anesthetic, and analgesic. Additionally, the roots and bark are used to treat hypertension and malaria in some parts of Africa.
The wood is highly valued for construction and making furniture due to its high density and durability. The fruits are edible and are consumed in some parts of Africa, and the plant is also utilized as an ornamental tree in gardens.
Conclusion
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera is a valuable plant species in Africa due to its medicinal, economic, and cultural significance. However, the plant is also threatened by habitat loss and overexploitation for its valuable wood, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this important species.
Growth Conditions for Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera (Gilg & Busse) P.A.Duvign.
Light Requirements: Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera generally prefers full sun to partial shade. However, it can tolerate moderate shade levels to some extent, but it may have slower growth rates and less vigor under such conditions. Therefore, it's crucial to provide enough sunlight to the plant to ensure proper growth and development.
Temperature Requirements: The ideal temperature range for Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera growth is between 20°C to 30°C. However, the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C and as high as 35°C. It's important to note that frost is detrimental to the growth of the plant, and it doesn't tolerate temperature extremes well. Therefore it is crucial to plant it in regions with a tropical or subtropical climate that has a reasonable amount of rainfall.
Soil Requirements: Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera prefers well-drained loamy soils, and it does not tolerate waterlogged soils. It's essential to ensure that the soil is fertile and rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be within the range of 5.5 to 6.5. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline can limit the plant's growth rate, and it may suffer from nutrient deficiencies.
Water Requirements: Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera requires moderate to high levels of water, and it's crucial to ensure consistent moisture levels throughout the growing season. However, the plant does not tolerate waterlogging and flooded conditions that can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. Therefore, it's important to provide good drainage and avoid overwatering the plant.
Nutrient Requirements: Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera requires moderate fertilizer inputs to ensure optimal growth and development. It's important to provide a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The plant also requires micronutrients such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in trace amounts. Excessive application of fertilizers can lead to nutrient imbalances and plant toxicity disorders.
Cultivation Methods for Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera is a hardy plant that can endure different climatic conditions, though it prefers subtropical or tropical environments. The plant grows best in well-drained soils with a pH of 6 to 7.5. It requires full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure that the tree has adequate space to mature fully as it can grow up to 15 meters tall.
Watering Needs
Watering should be done regularly, especially during the early stages of growth, to establish a deep rooting system. You should water the plant deeply at least once a week during the first year after planting. However, as the plant matures, reduce the frequency of watering, as over-watering can lead to root rot. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
During the growth period, it's essential to promote the plant's growth rate by providing adequate nutrients. You can apply compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the tree to add nutrients to the soil. Additionally, you can use a balanced fertilizer to provide the plant with nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, that is, from spring to summer.
Pruning
Pruning Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera is an essential part of maintaining the plant's health and ensuring a desirable shape. It's advisable to prune during winter when the plant is dormant to minimize stress. Pruning can be done to control the tree's height or shape, remove dead, diseased, or dying branches. Always use sharp and sterilized pruning tools to avoid transmitting diseases.
Propagation of Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera (Gilg & Busse) P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera is a species of plant in the Loganiaceae family. It is commonly known as "Mbiu" in Swahili and is native to East Africa. The plant is commonly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common way to propagate Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera is through seeds. The seeds are collected from mature fruits, which are round, orange to reddish-brown, with a diameter of about 2 cm. The seeds should be cleaned and scarified to allow water to penetrate the seed coat before planting.
The seeds are then planted in well-drained soil in a warm and humid environment. It takes about 6-8 weeks for the seed to germinate, and during this time, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera can also be propagated by stem cuttings taken from mature plants. The stem cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the growing season and should be approximately 15-20 cm long.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mix. The plants should be kept in a warm and humid environment until their roots have developed and they have become established, after which they can be transplanted to a permanent location.
It is important to note that Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera is a slow-growing plant, and it may take several years for a newly propagated plant to reach maturity and bear fruits.
Disease Management for Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera
The Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera is vulnerable to various types of diseases, such as fungal and bacterial infections that can cause severe damage to the plant. It is important to keep the plant healthy and robust, so it can fight off any diseases that may arise naturally.
To maintain the plant's health and prevent diseases, it is recommended to inspect the plant regularly for any signs of fungal or bacterial infections. If any visual symptoms are visible, remove the infected parts immediately to prevent further infection to the rest of the foliage. Additionally, ensure not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to soil-borne infections that affect the roots.
It is also advisable to use fungicides and bactericides on the plant periodically to combat any potential infections effectively. Select organic options to prevent any harmful effects on the environment.
Pest Management for Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera
The Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera may face various types of pests that can cause damage to the plant and foliage. Insects such as beetles, aphids, and mites may attack the plant. To manage these pests, it is advisable to inspect the plant regularly to monitor any pest infestations.
If pests are detected, employ natural pest control techniques such as the introduction of beneficial insects that can prey on the pests. Natural methods also include neem oil, which is an organic insecticide that controls and eradicates many types of pests. Diatomaceous earth and insecticidal soaps are also effective for controlling pests.
Avoid using chemical pesticides as they can leave residues that may affect the plant adversely. Furthermore, it is recommended to prevent any environmental damage that may lead to pest infestations. Keep the plant well-maintained and healthy to minimize any possible pest infestations.
