Strychnos L. - A Powerful Plant
Strychnos L. is a genus of the family Loganiaceae that includes around 200 species of plants. These plants are native to different regions of the tropical and subtropical countries in the world including Africa, Asia, and Australia. The common name for the plant is Strychnine Tree due to its toxicity.
Common Names
There are different common names for Strychnos L. depending on the region. It is also known as Snake-wood, Poison Bush, and Coral Bean. The plant is known for its ability to synthesize strychnine, which is a potent alkaloid that is highly toxic to humans and animals.
Uses
Despite its toxicity, Strychnos L. has a long history of use in traditional medicine. In African traditional medicine, it is used as a remedy for various ailments such as fever, malaria, snake bites, and dysentery. The roots and bark are the main parts of the plant used in traditional medicine. The use of Strychnos L. in modern medicine is relatively limited, however some isolated compounds from the plant such as brucine and strychnine are still used as powerful stimulants of the central nervous system.
General Appearance
Strychnos L. is a large shrub or a moderate-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. It has a dense canopy with a straight and cylindrical trunk. The leaves are simple, opposite, and shiny with a dark green color. The flowers are small, white, and tubular, blooming in clusters. The fruit of Strychnos is a berry that is green when unripe and turns orange or red when mature. The seeds are flat, disk-shaped, and covered with a thick, aril-like pulp that is orange-red in color when ripe.
Growth Conditions of Strychnos L.
Strychnos L. is a tropical plant that commonly grows in humid, lowland forests.
Light Requirements
Strychnos L. requires bright, indirect light to grow optimally. It cannot survive in areas with low light intensity, and direct sunlight exposure can cause leaf burn.
Temperature Requirements
As a tropical plant, Strychnos L. thrives in warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can hinder their growth, and cool temperatures may cause leaf yellowing or drop. Protect them from frost and wind to avoid damage.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It cannot grow in heavy clay soil or waterlogged soil because it may cause root rot. Strychnos L. is adapted to grow in humid environments, so the soil must maintain some moisture. It is best to water the plant regularly and avoid allowing the soil to dry out.
Cultivation methods for Strychnos L.
Strychnos L. plants thrive in areas with adequate sunshine, moderate rainfall, and well-drained soils. They require a warm environment with temperatures between 20-30 degrees Celsius. These plants grow well in sandy loam, clay loam, and red soils that are slightly acidic.
The first cultivation method when handling Strychnos L. plants is seed planting. The best time to sow the seeds is between April and May. Before planting, treatment of seed with a fungicide can help combat fungal infections. The seeds should be planted 5-7 cm deep into the soils and about 2-3 seeds per hole. After the germination process, thinning of the seedlings should be done by leaving one plant per hole and a spacing of 10-15 cm between rows.
Strychnos L. can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as cuttings and grafting.
Watering needs for Strychnos L.
The cultivation of Strychnos L. plants requires adequate watering. Young plants require more frequent watering. However, as they mature, they have a high resistance to drought conditions, which ensures they can survive periods of water scarcity.
When watering, it's best to apply the water in the aftermath of sunrise or preceding sunset. The plant's foliage is also best not to be sprinkled with water during midday when it is hot. The watering frequency is dependent on different factors such as the prevailing weather conditions, the soil's moisture level, and the plant's growth stage. It is ideal to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization for Strychnos L.
There are several fertilization methods used when cultivating Strychnos L. plants, such as organic manure and chemical fertilizers. The application of manure should be during the planting process or early stage of the growth stage. Phosphorus and nitrogenous manure are ideal for the plants' growth, ensuring a healthy growth rate and strong vegetative development.
The use of chemical fertilizers is another option. However, it's essential to avoid applying the fertilizer directly onto the plants. It should be spread evenly around the plant base and watered thoroughly. It's also important to note that excessive application of these fertilizers can lead to a salt build-up, which can be harmful to the plants. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the prescribed rates of application strictly.
Pruning for Strychnos L.
Proper pruning is essential for Strychnos L. plants to obtain healthy and robust plants. The pruning should be done yearly during the plants' early growth stages. The primary aim of pruning is to shape the plant, remove dead or broken branches, and encourage the development of new buds and branches.
When pruning, the tools used should be clean and sharp to minimize damage to the plants. Begin by cutting off dry, weak, and diseased stems. Leave the healthiest and robust stalks and branches for maintenance. Cut the stalks and branches at an angle to discard excess water. Additionally, the removed branches can be recycled to form additional organic manure that could be used for fertilization of the plants.
Propagation of Strychnos L. Plant
The Strychnos L. plant can be propagated both by seeds and vegetatively.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Strychnos L. are generally sown in the spring or early summer. Before sowing, the seeds must undergo a pre-sowing treatment to break their dormancy. One such treatment is scarification, which involves nicking or scratching the seed coat to allow water to penetrate. Another treatment is stratification, which involves subjecting the seeds to a period of cold temperatures. After the treatment, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining seed starting mix. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist, warm, and in indirect light until germination.
Vegetative Propagation
Strychnos L. can also be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings. Take 6-8 inch long stem cuttings from the parent plant in the spring or early summer months. Make sure to choose a healthy and disease-free plant for taking cuttings. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and water it thoroughly. Cover the container with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity and place it in a bright but indirect light area. Roots should form in about a month. After the roots have formed, the young plants can be transplanted to individual containers or directly into the garden.
Disease Management for Strychnos L. Plant
Strychnos L. is a vulnerable plant, susceptible to various diseases that can cause significant damage and decrease the yield of the crop. The common diseases that affect the Strychnos L. plant are fungal and viral infections.
The common fungal infections that affect Strychnos L. include powdery mildew, anthracnose, and root rot. To manage these infections, one can use fungicides such as azoxystrobin, difenoconazole, and copper-based products. Additionally, good agricultural practices such as proper irrigation, crop rotation, and removing infected plant parts can help to prevent the spread of fungal infections.
Another common disease that affects Strychnos L. is viral infection. It can cause severe damage to the plant, including yield reduction. Some of the common viral infections found in Strychnos L. include yellowing, leaf curling, and stunted growth. The most effective method for viral infection management is the use of resistant varieties of Strychnos L. plant.
Pest Management for Strychnos L. Plant
Strychnos L. plant is also susceptible to pest attacks. Insects like mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects can cause extensive harm to the plant and decrease its yield. These insects can damage the plant by sucking the sap, weakening the plant, and spreading various plant viral diseases.
To manage insect pests, farmers can use insecticides such as malathion, carbaryl, and acephate. Additionally, one can use non-chemical control methods such as removing infected plant parts, introducing predators such as ladybugs, and using sticky traps to trap the insects.
Finally, it is essential to keep the plants healthy by observing good agronomic practices such as regular watering and fertilizer application as a way of preventing pest attacks. Healthy plants have a better chance of fighting off pest infestation, so it's advisable to keep an eye on the plant's health status regularly.
