Origin
Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss, commonly known as Johnstone's strychnos, is a species of flowering plant in the family Loganiaceae. This plant is native to tropical East Africa, specifically Tanzania and Kenya.
Common Names
Johnstone's strychnos has several common names including Mutunduwala (Swahili), Mtunduwala (Taita), Mukanguu (Kikamba), and Kada (Kimeru). These names are commonly used by the local communities where this plant is found.
Uses
The plant Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss has several uses. Its roots and stem bark contain alkaloids such as strychnine and brucine, which have medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat a wide range of ailments such as malaria, snakebite, colic, and stomach ulcers. The roots are also used as an emetic and a purgative.
Additionally, the wood of Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss is hard and durable, making it an excellent material for making tool handles, walking sticks, and other items. It is also used for fuel, and the plant's fruit is edible.
General Appearance
Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 15 meters tall. The plant has a rounded crown with a dense and bushy appearance. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and evergreen, with a leathery texture and elliptic shape. The tree produces small, white or pale-yellow flowers that are fragrant and bloom from June to August. The fruit is an ovoid berry, which is smooth, fleshy, and yellow when ripe. The bark of the tree is grayish, smooth, and thin, with a shallow vertical furrow.
Growth Conditions for Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss
Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss is an evergreen plant that is native to tropical Africa. The plant can grow up to a height of 15 meters with a spread of up to 6 meters. It is important to understand the growth conditions required for cultivating this plant to ensure that it grows well and healthy.
Light Requirements
Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss requires full sunlight to grow well. As a result, it is ideal to grow the plant in areas with bright light and avoid shading the plant. The plant requires direct sunlight for at least six hours a day to ensure proper growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in tropical and subtropical regions, where the temperature ranges between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Low temperatures can lead to stunted growth, leaf drop, and poor flowering. Therefore, growers should ensure that the temperature is maintained to ensure proper growth.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss requires well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. The pH range of the soil should be between 6.0 to 7.5. It is essential to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
By adhering to the growth conditions discussed above, growers can cultivate Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss and get high yields. These growth conditions will ensure that the plant grows well and produces good quality fruits.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos johnsonii, commonly known as the Johnson's poison rope, is a woody climber native to Africa that prefers warm temperatures and a moist environment. It grows well in a wide range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and rocky soils, but prefers well-draining soils. The plant requires partial shade to full sunlight for healthy growth. Johnson's poison rope is propagated through seeds or stem cuttings, which can be transplanted to a new location after they have developed a strong root system.
Watering Needs
Johnson's poison rope requires regular watering to maintain an evenly moist soil. Inadequate moisture can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall prematurely, resulting in stunted growth. However, waterlogging can lead to root rot. Water the plant during the dry season, ensuring the water penetrates to the root zone. During the wet season, reduce watering frequency to avoid overwatering. It is recommended to apply mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
Johnson's poison rope requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Fertilizer application is done once per growing season. Use fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure are also suitable for the plant. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant, not on the leaves, and water thoroughly after application to ensure proper absorption of the nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Johnson's poison rope, but it may improve the plant's appearance and promote branching. Prune during the dry season to reduce the risk of infection or damage to the plant. Remove any dead or diseased branches, prune hard to keep it in shape, and prune to prevent it from interfering with other plants. Disinfect the pruner before and after pruning to prevent infection.
Propagation of Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss
Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss is a tropical plant species that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is a small bushy tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The plant is rare and is found in Kenya, East Africa, and the Southeastern region of Tanzania.
The propagation of Strychnos johnsonii can be done through both seeds and vegetative methods. However, propagating the species through seed germination can be challenging, and vegetative propagation is recommended.
Vegetative Propagation
The vegetative propagation method involves using parts of the plant such as stem cuttings, layering or grafting. The stem cuttings are collected from mature trees during the active growing period and should be free from pests and diseases. They are then treated with rooting hormone and planted in a nursery bed or a polythene bag containing a rooting medium such as sand, soil, or a mixture of both. The cuttings are kept moist and are shaded for about six months until they are well-rooted and ready for transplanting.
Layering involves bending a young branch of the tree and burying the section beneath the soil to allow for rooting. The branch is then cut from the parent plant, dug up, and transplanted to a new site. This method is suitable where other methods of propagation can be challenging.
Grafting consists of cutting young stems known as scions and attaching them to mature plants known as rootstocks. The scion is attached to the rootstock using different grafting methods such as cleft, side veneer, whip, or saddle graft. The grafted plants are kept in a shaded and humid environment until the graft union heals.
Seed Propagation
Strychnos johnsonii can also be propagated through seed germination. The seeds are collected from mature fruits that have started to dry. The seeds are then soaked in water for one day to improve the germination rate. They are then planted in seedling trays containing a growing medium such as a mixture of soil and sand. The seedlings are transplanted to individual bags containing potting soil when they are about 6 months old. Seed propagation is challenging because the seeds have a hardcoated surface that inhibits germination. It can take up to a year for the seed to germinate.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss
Strychnos johnsonii Hutch. & M.B.Moss, commonly known as the Johnson's Poison Rope, is a small tree that belongs to the Strychnos genus. This plant is native to Africa and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, defoliation, and stem dieback. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure.
Canker: This disease causes sunken areas on the bark, which can result in branch dieback. To manage canker, cut back and discard infected plant parts. Avoid wounding the plant, as this can create an entry point for canker-causing fungi.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by waterlogged soil, which can lead to root death. To manage root rot, ensure the plant is planted in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be used to prevent root rot from spreading.
Pests
Aphids: These small insects can cause stunted growth and leaf curling. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs can also help control aphid populations.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and leaf drop. To manage spider mites, use a strong stream of water to dislodge the pests from the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used.
Whiteflies: These pests can cause leaf yellowing and stunted growth. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps to catch the flying pests. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to kill the pests on the plant.
Regular monitoring of the plant and proper cultural practices like pruning and sanitation can also help prevent disease and pest problems from occurring. When using pesticides or fungicides, always follow the label instructions and avoid applying during periods of high heat or strong winds.
