Overview:
Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça is a flowering plant from the family Loganiaceae. It is known by different common names including 'maracujá tigre', 'cipó tigre', and 'liane nageia'. This plant is native to Brazil, specifically in the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes.
Appearance:
Strychnos ligustroides grows as a woody vine that can reach up to 3 meters in length. The leaves are simple, alternate, and clustered at the end of branches. They are lance-shaped and measure around 8-20 cm in length. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color, with a tubular shape. The fruit is a spherical berry that turns from green to bright yellow when ripe. The seeds inside the fruit are embedded in a bright yellow pulp.
Uses:
The indigenous people of Brazil have been using Strychnos ligustroides for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is reportedly used as a natural remedy to treat fever, coughs, headaches, and pain. According to some studies, extracts from this plant may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The yellow pulp of the fruit can be eaten raw, and some locals use it to make a refreshing drink.
However, it is important to note that this plant is also a source of toxic alkaloids, such as strychnine. Ingestion of the plant's seeds or fruit can cause sickness or even death, especially in high doses. Therefore, caution should be exerted when using this plant as a natural remedy.
Light Requirements
Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça typically prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can survive in partial shade, but it may not grow as well and produce fewer flowers and fruits. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in a location that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
This species is native to the tropical regions of Brazil, and it thrives in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça is between 20 and 30°C. It is not frost-tolerant and can be damaged or killed by freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in areas with a mild climate or indoors in cooler areas.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça prefers soils that are well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clayey soils. However, it is essential to avoid waterlogged or compacted soils as they can lead to root rot and other diseases. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0, for optimal growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça is a tropical plant that can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. It is typically grown from seeds, which can take up to several months to germinate. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting, and the soil should be kept consistently moist until germination.
Once the plant has sprouted, it should be transferred to a well-draining soil mixture and placed in a location with bright, indirect light. The plant prefers temperatures between 68-86°F (20-30°C) and will not tolerate frost or temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Watering Needs
Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça requires consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged. Watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. The frequency of watering will depend on factors such as humidity, temperature, and the size of the plant.
It is important not to let the plant dry out completely as it will cause the leaves to wilt and can lead to permanent damage.
Fertilization
The plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 can be used once a month. Be sure to follow the package instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the health of Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça, but it can help keep the plant tidy and promote bushier growth. Pruning can be done in the spring before new growth begins. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to make cuts just above a leaf node.
It is important to note that all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, so handling the plant should be done with care, and pruning should be done with gloves.
Propagation methods for Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça
Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça is a shrub/tree species that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is commonly known as "cipó-pucá", "cipó-chumbo", or "pau-de-lacre". The plant is endemic to Brazil and is distributed throughout the Cerrado biome, in states such as Goiás, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo.
Propagation methods for S. ligustroides include:
1. Seed propagation
Seeds are the primary means of propagating S. ligustroides, and they should be collected from ripe fruits. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24-48 hours to increase germination rates and planted in a mixture of sand and organic substrate.
It is crucial to note that S. ligustroides seeds have a hard seed coat that can inhibit germination. Therefore, scarification or mechanical damage of the seed coat is necessary to enhance germination rates.
2. Vegetative propagation
S. ligustroides can be propagated vegetatively using cutting and air-layering methods.
Cutting method: Semi-hardwood cuttings with 7-10 cm length and two leaves should be collected from the mother plant. The leaves should be removed to reduce transpiration rates, and the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before being placed in a mix of sand and organic substrate. The cutting should be kept in a humid and shady place until the roots develop.
Air-layering method: This method consists of wounding a branch until the phloem and cambium layers are exposed. A rooting hormone is applied to the wounded area, which is then covered with moist sphagnum moss and aluminum foil. The moss should be regularly watered until roots emerge. Once the roots have developed, the branch is cut, and the air-layered plant can be potted.
Overall, seed propagation is the most recommended method for S. ligustroides, given that vegetative propagation methods can reduce genetic diversity.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça
Like any other plant species, Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça is susceptible to diseases and pests. It is important to understand the common diseases and pests that affect this plant and the best ways to manage them to ensure optimal growth and productivity. Here are some tips:
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça is bacterial leaf spot. This disease is caused by the Xanthomonas campestris bacteria, which manifests as yellow, water-soaked spots on leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to practice good hygiene by removing and destroying infected plant materials and avoiding wetting your plant's foliage when watering. You can also use copper-based fungicides to control the spread of the bacteria.
Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça is also prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and anthracnose. Powdery mildew causes white, powdery growth on leaves, while anthracnose leads to dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits. To manage these fungal diseases, ensure there is adequate ventilation around the plant, prune dense growth, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides as recommended.
Common Pests
The most common pests that attack Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça are mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs are tiny, white, cottony insects that suck sap from the plant causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Use a soft brush to remove mealybugs physically, or spray them with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Spider mites cause webbing and silvery discoloration on leaves leading to defoliation if left untreated. The best way to manage spider mites is to increase the level of humidity around the plant and use miticides as directed.
Regular monitoring and early detection of diseases and pests in Strychnos ligustroides Gossw. & Mendonça are key to successful management. Always choose the best management practices for your plant to ensure its health and longevity.
