Origin and Common Names
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera (Gilg & Busse) P.A.Duvign. is a plant species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is commonly known as "Kombola" in the Kiswahili language, which is spoken in some parts of East Africa where the plant originates from.
Appearance
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera is a small tree that grows up to 7 meters in height. The plant has a dense canopy with an open crown and a straight trunk that is up to 20 cm in diameter. The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptical. They are dark green and up to 15 cm long. The bark is slightly rough and grayish-brown in color. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The fruits are spherical or slightly oblong in shape and are about 2.5 cm in diameter.
Uses
The plant has many uses, especially in traditional medicine. The bark, roots, and leaves of Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, toothache, and stomach problems. The plant is also used as a painkiller and an anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, the plant is used for fencing, poles, and firewood due to its dense canopy and straight trunk.
Light Requirements
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera grows well in areas with high light intensities. As a tropical plant, it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. The plant is best suited for open areas where it can receive plenty of sunlight. Some shading can be allowed to prevent excessive exposure to the sun, particularly in hot and dry conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in tropical to sub-tropical temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68- 86°F). It is not suited to cold temperatures, and frost can severely damage or kill the plant. It is essential to maintain a constant temperature for the plant, and sudden fluctuations can harm it.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. It can tolerate a range of soils, including sandy loam, clay loam, and red earth. The soil should be rich in nutrients, and fertilizers can be applied to boost growth. The plant requires regular watering, but the soil must be allowed to drain to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation of Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera is a tropical plant native to East Africa, primarily found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Cultivating this plant requires a warm climate, and it grows best in areas with average temperatures between 25-30°C.
When planting, select a location that provides adequate sunlight and shelter from strong winds. The plant thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6-7.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers regular watering, especially during the growing season, which is typically from spring to late summer. Consistent moisture helps the plant to establish roots and grow faster. However, avoid overwatering, which may cause root rot. Instead, water it once or twice a week and ensure that the soil is moist.
Fertilization
To achieve optimum growth, fertilize the plant twice a year, preferably during the growing season, with a granular fertilizer rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. It helps to nourish the plant, promote foliage growth, and stimulate flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to ensure that the plant grows correctly and produces healthy foliage. It should be done during the dormant season, typically in late autumn or early winter. Use sterilized pruning shears to cut off dead or diseased branches and remove any unwanted growth. Additionally, pruning promotes vigorous growth and enhances the plant's natural shape.
Propagation of Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera (Gilg & Busse) P.A.Duvign.
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera (Gilg & Busse) P.A.Duvign. is a tree that belongs to the Loganiaceae family; it is commonly known as Poison Arrow Tree or Mkombelo in Swahili.
The plant can be propagated through two primary means: seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of the Strychnos holstii plant are obtained from mature fruit that has fallen off the tree. To start the propagation process, the seeds are first cleaned and soaked for several hours to soften their hard seed coat. This helps to speed up the germination process.
After soaking, the seeds are sown in a sand or potting mix-filled seedling container, and covered with a thin layer of soil. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent the seedlings from rotting. Under ideal growing conditions, germination usually takes about two weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they have grown to about two inches in height.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
The stem cuttings are taken from Strychnos holstii plants during the growing season (spring and summer). Select a healthy, disease-free branch from the parent tree with a diameter of about 1/2 inch. Cut a 6 to 8 inches long stem segment from the branch, making sure to use a sharp, sterile knife to avoid contamination.
The next step is to remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem cutting and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder. The stem is then planted into a potting mix-filled container, making a hole deep enough to cover the leafless portion of the stem.
The container with the cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment, receiving indirect sunlight. After about a month, the stem cutting should have formed roots and regular watering can commence. Once the plant has grown to a sufficient size, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management for Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera is a hardy plant and is not usually affected by diseases. However, in some cases, the plant might suffer from diseases such as:
- Bacterial wilt
- Leaf spot
- Fungal rust
To manage these diseases, it is recommended to do the following:
- Prune and destroy infected leaves and stems to prevent the spread of the diseases.
- Water the plant in the morning to allow excess water to evaporate during the day, which reduces the likelihood of fungal and bacterial diseases.
- Treat the plant with fungicide or bactericide to control the spread of the diseases.
- Avoid overcrowding the plant and ensure there is adequate air circulation to reduce humidity around the plant, which is favorable for the growth of fungal diseases.
Pest Management for Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera
Strychnos holstii Gilg var. procera might also attract pests such as:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Mites
- Caterpillars
Here are some ways to manage these pests:
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control the pests. These organic remedies are safe for the plant and the environment.
- Manually remove the pests using a damp cloth or a spray of water.
- Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantis. These insects feed on the pests and keep their population in check.
- Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and fertilization, as healthy plants are less susceptible to pest infestations.
