Description of Strychnos jollyana Pierre ex A.Chev.
Strychnos jollyana Pierre ex A.Chev. is a tree species that belongs to the Strychnaceae family. It is native to tropical regions of West and Central Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Common Names
This plant is known by several common names such as Mutomvu (Kiswahili), Okuo (Bakoko), Ibururu(Uganda), and Ntulhundi (Tshiluba).
Appearance
Strychnos jollyana is a deciduous tree with a height of about 30 meters, with rough bark that is light brown in color. The leaves are long, oval-shaped, and oppositely arranged. Its flowers are small and yellowish-green and are found in clusters of 2 to 6. It bears fruits of about 5 to 8 cm that contain several seeds.
Uses
The roots, bark, and seeds of Strychnos jollyana have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries by traditional healers. The roots and seeds contain strychnine and brucine, which are poisonous alkaloids. The seeds have also been used as arrow poison by certain tribes in Africa for hunting purposes. The bark is used to treat cough and fever, and the roots are used to treat stomach aches and digestive disorders. The seeds and bark are also used as a powder to sprinkle on cuts and wounds to aid healing.
Light Requirements
Strychnos jollyana Pierre ex A.Chev. prefers full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. It is a tropical plant that thrives in areas with high light exposure. Direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day is recommended for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a warm, tropical or subtropical climate with a minimum temperature of 20°C (68°F) to grow effectively. The ideal temperature range is between 25-30°C (77-86°F), which is consistent with its native habitat and may be difficult to maintain in colder climates.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It thrives in fertile soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Sandy loam, loamy sand, and clay loam soils are ideal for growth. The plant does not grow well in waterlogged soils and requires good drainage to prevent root rot.
Cultivation of Strychnos jollyana Pierre ex A.Chev.
Strychnos jollyana Pierre ex A.Chev., commonly known as the poison devil tree, is a rare and exotic plant species native to the tropical forests of West and Central Africa. The plant typically grows up to 15 meters tall and can withstand a variety of climatic conditions, including drought, cold, and heat, making it a hardy and resilient species to cultivate.
Watering Needs
Water is one of the essential elements required for the growth and development of Strychnos jollyana. Watering should be done regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Regular watering ensures the soil remains moist, which is essential for the plant's survival.
Fertilization
Strychnos jollyana requires a nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth. This means that fertilization is crucial to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients it needs. You can use organic or inorganic fertilizers to supplement the soil's vital nutrients, especially during the growing season. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer proportionally.
Pruning
Strychnos jollyana requires periodic pruning to improve the plant's overall health and appearance. Pruning should be done sparingly to avoid damaging the plant. Cut off any dead or damaged branches to promote new growth. You can also shape the plant using pruning to give it a desirable shape and encourage lateral branching.
Propagation of Strychnos jollyana Pierre ex A.Chev.
Strychnos jollyana Pierre ex A.Chev. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Seeds are the primary method of sexual propagation for Strychnos jollyana. The tree produces small fruit that contains seeds. The fruit is consumed by animals such as rodents and primates, which disperse the seeds through their feces. Collecting fruit that is still on the tree or that has fallen to the ground is the most effective way of obtaining seeds.
The seeds of Strychnos jollyana have very tough seed coats, and germination can be slow and uneven. Pre-germination treatments such as scarification and soaking in water can help to improve germination rates. Once the seeds have germinated, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Asexual propagation
Strychnos jollyana can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy tree during the dormant season. The cuttings should be approximately 30 cm long and taken from the current season's growth. The lower leaves should be removed, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix, with at least half of the cutting buried in the soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. It can take several months for the cuttings to take root and begin to grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos jollyana Pierre ex A.Chev.
Strychnos jollyana Pierre ex A.Chev. is an important medicinal plant commonly found in Central and West Africa. It is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can greatly affect its growth and yield. Here we provide a brief overview of some common diseases and pests that can affect S. jollyana and suggest ways to manage them.
Diseases of S. jollyana
One of the most common diseases that affect S. jollyana is anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This disease appears as dark brown or black lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits. To manage this disease, infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used in severe cases.
Another common disease of S. jollyana is powdery mildew caused by the fungus Oidium strychni. This disease appears as a powdery white coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, affected plant parts should be removed, and fungicides can be used in severe cases.
Root rot caused by various species of fungi can also affect S. jollyana. This disease causes the roots to become soft and discolored, ultimately leading to plant death. To manage this disease, plants should be grown in well-drained soil, and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can be applied to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests of S. jollyana
S. jollyana can be affected by several pests such as aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant, affecting its growth and yield.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage this pest, the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective. Biological control methods, such as predatory insects, can also be used.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves, leaving behind a stippled appearance. Infected leaves can yellow and fall off. To manage this pest, the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective. Biological control methods, such as predatory mites, can also be used.
Mealybugs are small, white insects that produce a waxy coating. They suck sap from plants, causing them to weaken and become stunted. To manage this pest, the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective. Biological control methods, such as predatory insects, can also be used.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in S. jollyana can be achieved through proper cultural practices such as planting disease-free seedlings, removing and destroying infected plant parts, regular inspection and monitoring, and the use of biological and chemical control methods when necessary.
