Origin and Common Names
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii (Baker) E.A.Bruce & Lewis, commonly known as the African poison bean, is a tree species found in various parts of Africa. It is native to the tropical regions of East, Central, and Southern Africa, including Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The plant is commonly known by several names in different African regions, such as the umuthi in Zulu language, umuvumu in Swahili, and mukutu in Tonga.Uses
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii is known for its medicinal and cultural usage among the indigenous communities of Africa. The plant contains poisonous alkaloids, and various parts of the tree have been used for millennia as a traditional remedy for various ailments, including skin diseases, snakebites, stomach issues, respiratory problems, and as an emetic. In some cultures, the African poison bean is used as a spiritual plant, being used in initiation ceremonies, divination rituals, and as a protective charm against evil spirits. The plant also has several practical applications, with its hard and durable wood used in making various household items such as utensils, furniture, and carvings.General Appearance
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii is a tall deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. The tree has a broad and rounded canopy that provides good shade, making it a popular ornamental and shade tree in many African villages. The leaves of the African poison bean are simple, dark green, and glossy, with a leathery texture. The tree produces small, white flowers that are fragrant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. The fruit of the tree is a pale yellow drupe about the size of a small apple, which turns brown when mature and splits open to reveal black seeds. Overall, Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii is an important tree species in Africa, with its medicinal properties, cultural significance, and practical uses making it a valuable resource not only for local communities but also for scientists and researchers studying its potential benefits.Growth Conditions of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii is a small tree or shrub that is commonly found in eastern Africa. It is a hardy plant that can survive in a variety of environments, but it does have specific growth requirements that must be met in order for it to thrive.
Light
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii prefers partial to full sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and poor flower and fruit production. It is best to plant this species in a location where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature
This plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers warm to hot climates. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F), but it thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). In cooler climates, this plant should be grown indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil requirements
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay, but it must have good drainage. This plant also prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range of 5.5-7.5.
In summary, Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growth conditions. It prefers partial to full sunlight, warm to hot temperatures, and well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. By meeting these requirements, this plant can thrive and produce beautiful flowers and fruits.
Cultivation
S. innocua Delile subsp. burtonii (Baker) E.A.Bruce & Lewis is a tropical plant that thrives in well-drained soils, with preferential planting in sandy loam. It requires adequate air circulation and bright light to flourish, thus making it a great indoor plant option, and in locations with mild temperatures, it can be grown outdoors.
Watering Needs
Watering frequency should be done with consideration of the weather conditions, growth stage, and soil type. The plant should be watered when the topsoil starts to dry, but it should not be left sitting in standing water. Overwatering leads to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant during the growing season, ideally spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. Use a balanced granular fertilizer once a month or liquid fertilizer every two weeks, diluting the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the plant roots.
Pruning
Pruning S. innocua Delile subsp. burtonii (Baker) E.A.Bruce & Lewis is necessary to create an attractive shape and to remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves. Pruning should be done during the growing period to minimize the chances of stunted growth. It is enough to remove one-third of the plant's foliage at a time to avoid stressing the plant.
Propagation of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii (Baker) E.A.Bruce & Lewis is a woody shrub that is commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings. Here are the details of both methods:
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds can be harvested from the plant's ripe fruits. The seeds are then extracted and cleaned thoroughly. Next, they are soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing them in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist but not wet. Depending on the conditions, the seeds may germinate in 3 to 8 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings from the plant should be taken during the active growth phase in spring. A 10 to 15 cm long cutting should be taken that has 2 to 3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and warm, and roots should appear in 3 to 4 weeks.
Both propagation methods can be successful if done correctly. However, it is important to note that Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii flowers can be bisexual, meaning that self-pollination can occur. Therefore, to maintain genetic diversity, it is recommended that cuttings are taken from different plants and that seeds are harvested from different parent plants.
Disease Management
The Strychnos innocua subsp. burtonii is generally a very hardy plant that does not face many diseases. However, they can still get infected with some fungal and viral diseases. One of the most common diseases affecting this plant is root rot. Root rot is caused by fungi that thrive in damp conditions such as overwatering. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a slow decline in the plant's growth rate. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is not overwatered, and if it is infected, try to remove the affected root areas and treat the remaining ones with a fungicide.
Another disease that can affect this plant is leaf spot. Leaf spot is characterised by black spots on the leaves. This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet and humid conditions. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is not overwatered, and reduce humidity around the plant. Clear up any debris around the base of the plant to prevent the accumulation of moisture.
Pest Management
The Strychnos innocua subsp. burtonii can also be affected by some pests. One of the most common pests is scale insects. Scale insects are usually found on the underside of leaves and on stems. They feed on the plant's sap and can cause yellowing leaves, wilting, and even death if not controlled. To manage scale insects, use a soft brush to remove them from the plant's leaves and stems.
The plant can also be affected by spider mites. Spider mites are tiny pests that are known to cause leaf discoloration and wilting. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. To manage spider mites, ensure that the plant is well watered, and increase humidity levels around the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap to control them.
Caterpillars can also be a problem for this plant. Caterpillars are known to cause defoliation and can be controlled by handpicking them from the plant. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis to control the caterpillar population.
Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of disease and pests is essential for its health. Early detection and management of any disease or pest problem can significantly reduce the impact on the plant and prevent it from spreading to other plants.
