Overview
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. is a plant species that belongs to the Strychnaceae family. It is commonly known as the False Quinine plant and is native to East and Central Africa.
Appearance
The False Quinine plant is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. It has a straight stem, with a smooth or slightly fissured bark that is greenish or dark-grey in color. The plant has a dense, rounded crown, with a spread of up to 10 meters. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate, with a smooth, glossy surface and an entire margin.
Uses
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. has been used for many different purposes. Its bark, roots, and leaves are all used for medicinal purposes. Extracts from the bark and roots are used to treat various ailments, including malaria, fever, and diarrhea. It is also used as a tonic, to stimulate appetite, and to improve digestion. In some cultures, the plant is used as a sedative and as a remedy for snakebites and scorpion stings.
Aside from its medicinal uses, the False Quinine plant is also used for timber and fuel. Its wood is hard, durable, and has been used for the construction of houses, canoes, and furniture. The plant's bark and leaves are also used to make rope and paper.
Light Requirements
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. typically grows in areas with plenty of sunlight. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade environments. As a result, it should be placed in an area where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The recommended temperature range for the growth of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. is between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate temperatures up to 35°C and a minimum temperature of 10°C. This plant should be grown in a location with excellent ventilation to help maintain the appropriate temperature range.
Soil Requirements
This plant species requires well-draining and fertile soils. Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. can be grown in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil pH should be between 5 and 7 to ensure optimal growth. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the soil is not compacted as it can hinder root development and ultimately stunt the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. is a tropical plant that requires a warm climate to thrive. It can be grown in containers or planted directly in the ground. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun exposure and needs a well-draining soil mix. Planting should be done during the wet season to allow the roots to establish well.
Watering Needs
The plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water the plant twice a week or more if the soil becomes dry. Ensure that the plant's soil is not waterlogged, as it can cause root rot and other diseases. During the dry season, increase the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
Fertilization is important for the proper growth and development of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. Use a balanced fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content to encourage vegetative growth. Fertilize the plant once every three months during the growing season. Over-fertilizing can lead to poor flowering and a weak plant.
Pruning
The plant requires pruning to maintain its shape and promote a bushy growth habit. Prune the plant during the dry season or after the plant has produced flowers. Remove any diseased or broken branches from the plant to prevent the spread of diseases. Pinch back the tips of the branches to encourage bushy growth. Ensure that the plant is adequately catered for after pruning, and monitor its growth habit regularly.
Propagation of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd.
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. can be propagated through sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The plant can be propagated through its seeds. The seeds have a hard coat and need to be scarified or treated with hot water to aid germination. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge, which could take up to several months. Once the seedlings reach a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Asexual propagation
The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from young, healthy stems and dip the cut ends into a rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist. Once the cuttings begin to produce new growth, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Disease Management
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. is susceptible to several diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Leaf spot: This disease appears as small brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this, remove infected leaves and use fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage this, you can spray the plant with fungicides.
- Anthracnose: This disease causes the leaves to turn yellow. To manage this, remove infected leaves and use fungicides.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) I.Verd. can also be affected by pests. Some of the common pests that affect this plant include:
- Spider mites: These can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticides.
- Mealybugs: These pests suck sap from the plant, causing it to weaken. To manage them, you can use insecticides.
- Scale insects: These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. They can be managed by removing infected leaves and using insecticides.
