Description of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. Plant
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. is a perennial woody plant that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. The plant is commonly known as the "False mopane" or "Suikerbos" and is mainly found in Southern Africa.
General Appearance
The plant generally grows up to a height of 5-10 meters with a dense and rounded canopy. The trunk is light grey and has a thick, cracked bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and glossy, and are about 7-15 cm long and 4-9 cm wide with a dark green color.
The flowers of the plant are small and insignificant and come in clusters at the end of branches. These flowers are followed by woody capsules that contain several small seeds.
Uses
The plant is commonly used for various medicinal purposes. The roots and bark of the plant contain numerous alkaloids, including strychnine and brucine which have medicinal properties. These alkaloids are used to stimulate the central nervous system, as a remedy for snakebites, and to treat other ailments such as insomnia, muscle spasms, and heart disease.
The wood of the plant is commonly used for firewood and charcoal production. The bark of the plant is also used to make rope, baskets, and mats.
In addition to its medicinal and practical uses, the plant is also used for ornamental purposes. Its large and attractive canopy makes it an excellent shade tree in parks and gardens.
Conclusion
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. is an important plant in Southern Africa with a range of uses. Its medicinal properties have made it a valuable resource for traditional healers, while its wood and bark have practical uses. Its ornamental value has also made it a popular choice for landscaping.
Light Requirements
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd requires plenty of sunlight. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and productivity. Insufficient light can result in stunted growth and reduced yields.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers warm to hot weather. The optimal temperature range for growth is 22-30°C. Temperatures below 10°C can cause damage to the plant, and frost can be fatal. The plant can be grown in areas with temperatures up to 40°C, but in such conditions, it requires more watering.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It can tolerate soils that are rich in organic matter, but the soil should be well aerated to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Sandy loam soils are ideal for this plant since they are well-drained and have good water-holding capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. is a tropical, evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. It is commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa, and its cultivation requires warm temperatures and high humidity.
The best method to cultivate Strychnos innocua is through seeds. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It is advisable to plant seeds in large pots or directly into the ground in warm climates. Once the seedlings have grown, they should be transplanted to their permanent location.
Watering Needs
Strychnos innocua requires regular watering and high humidity to grow well. In dry areas, it needs to be watered once a week or more frequently during the hot season. Care must be taken not to overwater the plant, as this causes root rot.
Watering should be reduced in the colder months to prevent the plant's growth from being stunted or waterlogged.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is crucial for the growth and blooming of Strychnos innocua. It is recommended to use a complete fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The fertilizer should be applied twice a year in the early spring and late fall.
It is also crucial to note that over-fertilization can damage the plant, especially the roots. Therefore, fertilizer should be applied in small quantities and should remain a few inches from the stem to avoid burning.
Pruning
To stimulate growth and maintain the plant's shape, it is advisable to prune Strychnos innocua annually. However, it is recommended to prune lightly to prevent excessive bleeding of the tree.
The best time to prune is in the early spring before the plant starts to flower. It involves removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches and shaping the plant to your desired style.
Propagation of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd.
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd., commonly known as the 'snake bean tree,' is a medicinal plant indigenous to Africa. Propagation of the plant can be done by seed sowing and vegetative propagation methods such as stem cutting and grafting.
Seed Sowing
The plant's seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in containers filled with potting soil. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat, which can aid in germination. The seeds should be sown shallowly at a depth of 2-3 cm. The soil should remain moist but well-draining for proper germination. The seeds usually germinate within 2-3 weeks of sowing.
Stem Cutting
Stem cuttings can be taken from the plant's mature stem during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, and the stem should be at least 10 cm long with 2 nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in rooting media such as sand, perlite, or a mixture of both. The soil should remain moist and the cuttings should be kept in a shaded area. The cuttings should root within 3-4 weeks.
Grafting
Grafting is another method used for propagating Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. The scion wood should be taken from the plant's mature stem and grafted onto the rootstock of a closely related plant. The rootstock should be carefully chosen for its hardiness, growth rate, and disease resistance. The graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape to hold the two parts together and kept in a humid environment for 2-3 weeks to allow for proper grafting.
Disease Management
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. is known to be resistant to many common plant diseases. However, there are still some diseases that could impact the plant's health and productivity.
One of the diseases that can affect the Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. is leaf spot. Symptoms of this disease include discolored spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and adjust watering practices to avoid moist conditions that promote the disease.
Another disease that could affect Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. is powdery mildew. It causes a white or gray powder on the surface of the leaves, and it can slow down the plant's growth. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to prune heavily infected branches and improve air circulation within the plant's environment.
Pest Management
There are also several pests that could infest Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd., including mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can cause slow growth, defoliation, and even plant death if left untreated.
To manage mealybugs, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. For spider mites, spraying water on the leaves can help wash them off. For scale insects, pruning heavily infected branches and using insecticidal soap can be effective at reducing the infestation.
Overall, the key to pest management is regular inspection and early detection of any potential pests. By staying vigilant and taking appropriate action as soon as possible, it is possible to keep the Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. plant healthy and productive.
