Description of Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis, also known as the African monkey orange, is a small tree species that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is a native plant found in eastern and southern Africa, mainly in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.
General Appearance
The African monkey orange can grow up to 7 meters in height and has a rounded or spreading canopy. The bark is rough, with a gray to brown color. The leaves are glossy, smooth, and leathery, with a dark green color. The tree produces small, white flowers that are followed by oblong-shaped fruits that can be up to 7cm long and 5cm wide. The fruit has a hard, woody shell and contains numerous seeds that are embedded in a juicy pulp.
Common Names
The African monkey orange is commonly known by different names in different regions. In Zimbabwe, it is called "mupfura," and in South Africa, it is known as "umgwenye" or "umgonya." In Mozambique, it is called "munhama" or "muquve."
Uses
The African monkey orange has various uses, both medicinal and culinary. The bark of the tree is used to treat fever, stomach ache, and as a general tonic. The leaves are used to treat skin infections and as a traditional remedy for snakebites. The fruits are edible and are used to make jams, jellies, and sauces. The fruit pulp is also used to flavor porridge and other dishes.
Overall, the African monkey orange is a versatile tree with many benefits for human communities in the regions where it grows.
Light Requirements
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis requires full sun to partial shade to grow optimally. The plant can tolerate moderate shade, but excessive shade can lead to stunted growth and reduced flower and fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is tolerant to a wide range of temperatures and can grow in tropical to subtropical environments. However, it is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate extreme cold temperatures. The optimal temperature range for the plant's growth is between 20°C and 30°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The optimal soil pH range for the plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should also provide adequate moisture and nutrients for the plant's growth.
Cultivation
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis grows well in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and occasional flooding. The ideal temperature range for growth is 20-30°C.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, but the soil should not be waterlogged. It is best to water the plant deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. During the dormant season, watering should be reduced to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires moderate fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, should be applied every two months during this period. Slow-release fertilizers can also be used to reduce the frequency of application. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and timing.
Pruning
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis is generally a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning. However, dead or damaged branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Any pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid disturbing the plant's growth during the active season.
Propagation of Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis can be propagated by seeds or vegetatively. The plant can also reproduce through suckers or stem cuttings. Below are the propagation methods in detail:
Seed Propagation
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be collected when they are mature, and they should be sown immediately. The seeds can be sown in seed trays filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss. The trays should be placed in a warm and moist environment, and the seeds will germinate in two to four weeks.
Vegatative Propagation
The plant can be propagated vegetatively through suckers or stem cuttings. Suckers are the shoots that grow from the base of the plant. They can be separated from the parent plant when they have developed roots. Stem cuttings can be taken from the plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least three nodes. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and should be kept moist until they take root.
Overall, Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis can be propagated by seeds or vegetatively through suckers or stem cuttings.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis
Strychnos innocua Delile var. glabra E.A.Bruce & Lewis, commonly known as the Gum-berry, is a woody plant native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to pests and diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. It causes brown, sunken lesions on the plant, which eventually turn into dark, oval-shaped fruiting bodies. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant debris, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides such as sulfur or copper-based sprays.
Bacterial leaf spot: This bacterial disease causes circular, water-soaked spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots turn yellow and then brown, causing the leaves to drop prematurely. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant debris, avoid overhead watering, and use copper-based bactericides.
Cylindrocladium root rot: This fungal disease affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and turn brown. It also causes stunting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, improve drainage, and use fungicides such as thiophanate-methyl.
Pests
Spider mites: These pests are common on Gum-berry plants, especially in dry conditions. They suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong water spray, use insecticidal soap, or use predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis.
Caterpillars: Gum-berry plants are susceptible to caterpillars, which can eat the leaves and fruits of the plant. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand if possible, use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), or use botanical insecticides such as neem oil.
Fruit flies: These pests lay their eggs on the surface of the fruits, causing them to rot and drop prematurely. To manage fruit flies, use pheromone traps or attractants, cover the fruits with fine mesh or paper bags, or use insecticides such as spinosad.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can ensure the healthy growth and yield of your Gum-berry plant.
