Origin
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii (Baker) E.A.Bruce & Lewis is a plant species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is native to the eastern region of Africa, particularly in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. It thrives in a wide range of habitats, from savanna woodlands to rocky hillsides.
Common Names
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii is commonly known as the African logwood, monkey orange, or poison monkey orange. In Swahili, it is referred to as 'Mkola Mwizi' or 'Mvunguti.'
Uses
Various indigenous communities utilize the different parts of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii. The fruits, which resemble small oranges, are utilized in traditional medicine. The dried and powdered fruits are believed to be an effective remedy for constipation, while the unripe fruits are used to make antiseptic lotion. The bark of the tree is used to make a concoction that treats fever, malaria, and as a chewstick that can be used to clean teeth.
Furthermore, the seeds of the plant contain strychnine and brucine, which are powerful stimulants of the central nervous system. Therefore, the plant is used in making arrow-poison used for hunting, particularly by the Maasai tribespeople.
General Appearance
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 25 meters tall. It has a smooth, grey-brown bark that peels in small, irregular patches. The tree's leaves are ovate, dark green, and glossy, with a slightly wavy margin. Flowers are small, yellow, and borne in clusters. The fruit is an orange-yellow berry that is about the size of a golf ball, with a hard outer shell that cracks open to reveal grape-sized fleshy seed capsules that contain small, red seeds.
Light Requirements
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii (Baker) E.A.Bruce & Lewis can grow in a variety of light conditions, including full sun or partial shade. However, it is recommended to provide some amount of shade during hot summer months for optimal growth. If grown indoors, ensure that the plant has access to bright, indirect light.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures, ideally within the range of 70-85°F (21-29°C). It is not cold hardy and should be protected from temperatures below 50°F (10°C). If the temperature falls below 40°F (4°C), the plant may begin to experience frost damage.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii (Baker) E.A.Bruce & Lewis grows best in well-drained, fertile soil. The ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, between 6.0-7.5. It is essential to avoid waterlogging the soil, as this could cause root rot and ultimately kill the plant. For optimal growth, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost.
Cultivation methods
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii, also known as the "Burton's poison bean," is a perennial shrub that is native to Africa. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate heat and drought well, making it relatively easy to cultivate. It requires well-draining soil and full sun exposure, and it can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. The plant can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, and it is recommended to grow it in dry and rocky areas.
Watering needs
When it comes to watering Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii, it is essential to maintain a balance. Over-watering can cause root rot, while under-watering can make the plant weak. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, ensuring that the soil has dried out a few inches deep between waterings. During the dormant season, reduce watering frequency to once every two weeks.
Fertilization
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii does not require much fertilizer to thrive, as it can grow well in nutrient-poor soil. It is recommended to use a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season and to apply it once every three months. Avoid applying fertilizer during the dormant season, as the plant is not actively growing and does not require extra nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii but can be done to keep the plant in shape or control its size. It is best to prune the plant during late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back any overgrown branches to shape the plant. As the plant can produce new growth from dormant buds, be careful not to remove too much of the plant during pruning.
Propagation of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii, commonly known by its vernacular name "bitter-fruit" or "monkey orange," is a tree species native to Southern Africa. Propagation of this plant species can be done through various methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii can be easily done using seeds. The seeds of this plant species are thin-shelled and can remain viable for long periods, allowing easier storage. The seeds require proper preparation like cleaning, drying, and storing before sowing. The seedbeds should be prepared by mixing compost and sand, which should be moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take up to 2-3 weeks, depending on the quality of the seeds, and the seedlings are usually ready for transplanting after 6 months.
Cutting Propagation
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii can be propagated through hardwood or softwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in the late fall or winter, while softwood cuttings should be taken in the early summer. The cuttings should be prepared by removing all leaves except the top two and making a clean cut on the bottom end. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone for faster root formation and placed in a moist rooting medium until new roots form in a few weeks.
Grafting
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii can also be propagated through grafting. Grafting is done by joining the scion from the desirable mother plant to the rootstock. The scion should be selected from the upper part of the mother plant while the rootstock, which needs to be a closely related species, should be selected from the lower part of the plant. Both the scion and the rootstock should be cut and fitted together correctly, secured using grafting tape, and covered with a damp plastic bag for a few weeks until the graft takes successfully.
Overall, propagation of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii is relatively easy, and these methods can be used to rapidly propagate this plant species and develop new plantings.
Disease Management
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii (Baker) E.A.Bruce & Lewis is susceptible to devastating diseases that can cause significant damage, yield loss, and death of the plant. Common diseases that might affect the plant include the following:
- Bacterial wilt
- Anthracnose
- Leaf spot
- Root rot
To manage these diseases, cultural, biological, and chemical practices are necessary. Cultural practices that can help prevent disease include crop rotation, proper plant spacing, and sanitation. Biological controls such as the use of beneficial microbes like Trichoderma and Pseudomonas can help prevent and manage the diseases. Fungicides such as copper-based products and synthetic chemicals like azoxystrobin can be used to manage anthracnose and leaf spot. Additionally, the use of resistant cultivars can also help manage and prevent disease outbreaks.
Pest Management
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. burtonii (Baker) E.A.Bruce & Lewis can also face attacks from pests, leading to yield loss and plant death. Common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Spider mites
- Scale insects
- Mealybugs
- Whiteflies
To manage these pests, cultural, biological, and chemical practices are necessary. Cultural practices such as pruning, removing infested plants, and sanitation can help reduce the pest population. Biological control methods like the use of predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings can help manage the pest population. Insecticides like neem oil and pyrethroids can be used to manage the pest populations. However, care must be taken to avoid harming non-target insects and the environment. Furthermore, the use of physical barriers like row covers can also help protect the plants from pests.
