Origin
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd. is a species of the Loganiaceae family and is native to eastern and southern Africa. It is mainly found in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the "black monkey orange" or "green monkey orange" in English. In Afrikaans, it is called "swartapiesdoring" or "groenapiesdoring". The plant is also known as "umgwenya" in Zulu.
Uses
The plant has a variety of traditional uses. Its bark and roots are used to treat stomach problems, fever, and snake bites. The fruit of the plant is used to make a yellow dye, and the wood is used for carving and making furniture. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.
General Appearance
The black monkey orange is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 8 meters tall. It has a distinctive blackish-grey bark, which is smooth and shiny when young but becomes rough and deeply fissured as it ages. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture, and have a simple oval shape. The fruit is round and covered in small spines, with a green outer layer that turns yellow when ripe. The fruit contains a white, spongy pulp and numerous seeds. The tree prefers sandy soils, and its flowers appear in spring and summer.
Growth Conditions for Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd.
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd. is a plant species that can grow well under specific conditions. The following are the typical growth conditions for Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd.:
Light Requirements
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd. requires full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. The plant should receive at least six hours of sunlight each day to grow correctly. Too much shade can make the plant leggy and thin, while too much sun can lead to scorching.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd. thrives in warm temperatures ranging between 22°C and 28°C. The plant can tolerate temperature drops of up to 10°C but would not survive frost. Therefore, it is important to keep the plant in a warm environment, especially during winter periods.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd. prefers well-draining sandy loam soil rich in organic materials. The soil pH should range from 6.0 to 7.0, and it should have excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging. A proper soil mixture is crucial for the plant's root development, which affects its overall growth and productivity.
These are the typical growth conditions necessary for the healthy development of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd. By providing the appropriate light, temperature, and soil requirements, one can ensure the plant's optimum growth and productivity.
Cultivation of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd.
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd. is a tropical tree that is native to East and Southern Africa. It can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11, and it prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant needs full sun exposure to grow healthy and reach its maximum potential.
Watering Needs for Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd.
The watering needs of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd. depend on the environmental conditions and the stage of growth. It requires regular watering during the dry season, and it can tolerate mild drought during the rainy season. The plant's soil should be moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd.)
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd. requires regular fertilization to grow healthy and produce fruits. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every three months during the growing season, and always follow the instructions on the package.
Pruning Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd.
Pruning of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd. is recommended to maintain its shape and enhance the quality and quantity of fruits. Prune the plant during the dormant season, and remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches. Thin out the canopy to allow more sunlight to reach the lower branches and to improve air circulation.
Propagation of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd.
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii, commonly known as the Gumvine, has a fast-growing reputation for being a great plant for propagation. Propagation can be carried out using seeds, cuttings, and layering techniques.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii can be collected from the plant during the dry season. To ensure viability, seeds should be sown immediately after collection. The seeds of this plant have a hard seed coat and need to be soaked in warm water or diluted sulphuric acid before sowing to aid germination. Sow the seeds in flats and cover with a thin layer of sand. Maintain a temperature of 25- 30°C and keep the soil moist. Germination occurs within 3-4 weeks, and seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots when they reach the two-leaf stage.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii stem tips during the growing season. Cuttings should be at least 15cm long, with two to three nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower area of the cutting. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting. Dip the base of the cuttings in a rooting hormone like IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) or NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid). Place cuttings into prepared beds and root them in the shade for two to three weeks. Keep the soil moisture and humidity levels high. Rooted cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots when they have a well-established root system.
Propagation through Layering
Layering is another method of propagating Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii. To do this, select a branch of the plant at a height of about 10-20 cm from the ground and bend it to touch the soil. Make small cuts where the stem touches the soil, and cover with soil. Secure the branch firmly in place with a hook or peg. Keep the soil moist and wait for the roots to develop. This method may take several months to establish. Once the layer has roots, cut it off the parent plant and transplant it to the desired location.
By using these propagation methods, Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii can be propagated easily, and many plants can be grown in a short amount of time. Once established, Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii can make an excellent addition to your garden or landscape.
Disease Management
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and yield.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, shoot blight, and stem cankers. It can be controlled by pruning affected parts of the plant and applying fungicides.
Bacterial Leaf Spot: This disease causes the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. It can be managed by applying copper-based fungicides and improving plant hygiene.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by waterlogging and poor soil drainage. It can be prevented by improving the soil structure and ensuring proper drainage.
Fusarium Wilt: This fungal disease can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. It can be controlled by applying fungicides and improving soil drainage.
Pest Management
Strychnos innocua Delile subsp. gerrardii (N.E.Br.) I.Verd. can also be affected by pests that can cause significant damage to the plant.
Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing the plant to weaken. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps and improving plant hygiene.
Scale Insects: These pests can also suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken. They can be managed by pruning affected parts of the plant and applying horticultural oils or insecticides.
Spider Mites: These pests feed on the plant's sap and can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. They can be managed by using miticides and improving plant hygiene.
Caterpillars: These pests can cause extensive damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves. They can be managed by manually removing them or using insecticides.
Regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of pests or disease is essential to ensure timely intervention and management.
