Origin
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis, also known as the "white-fruit sequence plant," can be found in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania.
Common Names
The plant is known by various common names including mlete wa bata in Swahili, ipon in Luo language, and gwi-ta in Digo language.
Uses
The plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties and is utilized by indigenous communities to treat various ailments. The roots and bark of S. innocua are used to treat stomach aches, fevers, and diarrhea. The roots also have sedative properties and are used as a cough suppressant. The leaves and fruits of the plant are used to treat urinary tract infections. In addition to its medicinal value, the wood of the plant is used to build houses, and the bark is used to make rope.
General Appearance
S. innocua is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The tree's trunk is gray and rough, with a deeply fissured bark that peels in small flakes. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptic, measuring up to 17 cm long by 10 cm wide. The tree produces small, white or yellow-green flowers that are followed by oval-shaped fruits that turn white when ripe. The fruit measures up to 5 cm in diameter and contains numerous seeds.
Light Requirements
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis prefers bright, indirect light. The plant can tolerate direct sunlight in the morning and evening but not during the hot afternoon hours. Exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods can scorch the leaves.
Temperature Range
The ideal temperature range for Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis is between 18 °C to 26 °C. The plant does not tolerate temperatures below 15 °C and above 30 °C for extended periods. In cooler conditions, the plant may grow slowly and become dormant, while in higher temperatures, the leaves may wilt and appear burnt.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should retain moisture but not become waterlogged. A mixture of sandy loam soil, peat moss, and perlite is ideal for growing Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis. The plant also prefers an enriched soil with organic matter to promote growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis is a tropical vine commonly found in tropical Africa, including Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. It thrives well in a subtropical or tropical climate and requires a well-drained soil. The plant can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or layering. For best results, plant it in an area with partial shade.
Watering Needs
Watering is an essential aspect of Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis' cultivation. Ensure that the soil is evenly moist at all times, without allowing it to become waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant regularly to maintain proper moisture levels. In contrast, during the dormant season, reduce watering and only water the plant when the soil is dry.
Fertilization
Fertilizing is another critical aspect of Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis' care. Apply a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 during the growing season to promote healthy growth and encourage flowering. Additionally, supplement the soil with organic matter, such as compost or manure, to improve its fertility and texture.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential in keeping the plant healthy and promoting growth. Prune the plant during the dormant season to remove dead or damaged parts and keep its shape. Avoid pruning too much as this could affect flowering. Additionally, prune the plant regularly to control its size and prevent it from becoming too sprawling.
Propagation of Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis is propagated through seeds and vegetative means. However, seeds are the common method of propagation. The plant produces many seeds, which are collected and sown in well-prepared nursery beds.
Seed Propagation
For seed propagation, ripe fruits are collected when they turn yellow or orange in color, indicating their maturity. The pulp is removed, and the seeds are washed thoroughly with water. The seeds are then dried in the shade for a few days to remove any remaining moisture. Once dried, the seeds are bagged and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be sown.
Before sowing, the seeds are given a pre-sowing treatment to encourage germination. This can be done through scarification, soaking in water, or treating with a growth regulator. Scarification involves nicking the seed coat or soaking it in boiling water. Soaking in water may also require changing the water every 24 hours for a few days. Treating with a growth regulator involves applying a chemical to the seed to stimulate growth. After the pre-sowing treatment, the seeds are sown in well-drained soil and kept in a shaded area.
The seeds will germinate between 2 to 3 weeks and may take up to 1 to 2 years to reach transplanting size. During this time, the seedlings are watered regularly and protected from pests and diseases.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done through cuttings or layering. Cuttings are taken from mature stems with at least 2 nodes and planted in a rooting medium. Layering involves bending a branch to the ground and covering it with soil until roots develop. Once the cuttings or layering has developed roots, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
However, it is important to note that vegetative propagation is not as common as seed propagation, as it is more challenging and requires more effort and expertise.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis is a plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. This plant is native to various African countries such as Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Although the plant is generally disease and pest-resistant, there are a few common diseases and pests that commonly affect it. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease is characterized by irregularly shaped, sunken spots that appear on the leaves, stem, and fruits of the plant. The infected parts of the plant may turn yellow before turning brown, and may eventually become dry and fall off. To manage anthracnose, remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them away from the garden. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can make it more susceptible to fungal infections.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular to irregular spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots may be brown, black, or gray in color, and may have a yellow halo around them. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them away from the garden. Practice good sanitation by keeping the garden clean and free from debris.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. The leaves may also become distorted and may exhibit stunted growth. To manage powdery mildew, prune the plant to improve air circulation and reduce humidity around the plant. Avoid overhead watering and instead, water at the base of the plant. Apply a fungicide or neem oil to prevent further spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant. Infestation by these pests causes the leaves to curl and distort, and may eventually cause leaf drop. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off the plant. Alternatively, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their infestation.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to appear stippled and yellow. Heavy infestations may cause webbing to appear on the undersides of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off the plant. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to further get rid of these pests.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, fly-like insects that feed on the undersides of the leaves of the plant. Infestation by these pests causes the leaves to yellow and may lead to stunted growth. To manage whiteflies, place yellow sticky traps near the plant to capture them. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant to kill the adults and their larvae.
