Overview of Strychnos loandensis Baker
Strychnos loandensis Baker, also known as the African orange, is a small to medium-sized tree native to Africa that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. This plant species is mostly found in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is known by a variety of common names, including the African orange, logwood, and snake-wood.
General Appearance of Strychnos loandensis Baker
The African orange has a straight trunk, which grows up to 20 meters tall. Its bark is gray in color and rough. The plant's leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate in shape. They measure up to 10 inches long and 8 inches wide. They are glossy green on the upper surface and pale green on the lower surface. The African orange tree produces small rounded yellow fruits, which are around 2–3 cm in diameter. The fruits contain up 10-12 small seeds, which look like beans.
Uses of Strychnos loandensis Baker
The African orange has various medicinal and commercial uses. The plant contains alkaloids, strychnine, and brucine, which have been used to produce medicines to treat fever, malaria, and cancer. The seeds of the African orange are poisonous, and when ingested in large doses, they can cause seizures and fatal respiratory paralysis. Due to this toxic nature, the plant is also used to make poison for hunting purposes by some indigenous communities. The wood of the African orange is useful in building huts, canoes, and other small structures.
Furthermore, the plant produces a yellow pigment, which is used to dye fabrics in some communities. The extract from African orange's bark has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it useful in treating skin infections and other related conditions.
Growth Conditions for Strychnos Loandensis Baker
Light: The Strychnos Loandensis Baker plant requires full sun exposure to grow properly. The plant needs at least six hours of sunlight per day, and it is essential to ensure that the plant receives enough sunlight. Full sun exposure provides the energy required for the photosynthesis process.
Temperature: The plant prefers warm temperatures, and it grows best in areas with a minimum temperature range of 60°F - 70°F and a maximum temperature range of 85°F- 90°F. The optimal temperature range for Strychnos Loandensis Baker is 68°F to 77°F. The plant cannot tolerate low temperatures and frost, which can lead to damage, yellowing of leaves, and death of the plant.
Soil: The plant requires well-draining soil with moderate fertility levels. The optimal pH range for the Strychnos Loandensis Baker plant is between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil must be well-drained to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The plant grows best in sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil must be loose and well-aerated to ensure healthy root growth.
Water: The Strychnos Loandensis Baker plant requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered regularly but should not be overwatered, as it can lead to root rot and other diseases. The plant can tolerate moderate drought, but it is essential to keep the soil moist during the growing season. The plant should be watered deeply, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering.
Fertilizer: The plant requires moderate fertilization, and it responds well to balanced fertilizers that have equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is recommended to fertilize the plant during the growing season, and the frequency of fertilization depends on the soil type and nutrient levels. The plant should not be over-fertilized, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and weak stems.
Cultivation methods:
Strychnos loandensis Baker, commonly known as the Corky Monkey Orange, is a tropical tree found in Central and West Africa. It is grown for its fruit, which is used in traditional medicine and also eaten. The plant prefers well-drained soils with good organic matter, and adequate sunlight. Before planting the seedlings or grafts, it is essential to prepare the soil properly. The best time for planting is the onset of the rainy season, and spacing should be at least 8 meters apart.
Watering needs:
The Corky Monkey Orange plant requires regular watering, especially when it is young. Always ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. A layer of mulch can help to preserve soil moisture, and the plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week in dry weather conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilization:
The Corky Monkey Orange plant responds well to fertilization, especially during the early stages of growth. It benefits from a balanced fertilizer with a higher percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be done twice a year, once in early spring and the other in early summer, to ensure optimal growth. Application of manure or compost during planting can also improve soil fertility.
Pruning:
Pruning is essential for the Corky Monkey Orange plant, especially during the first few years of growth. It helps to shape the plant and improve the quality of the fruits. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to stimulate new growth in spring. Remove any dead or diseased branches, suckers, or water sprouts. Keep the canopy open to allow adequate sunlight penetration and fruit development.
Propagation of Strychnos loandensis Baker
Strychnos loandensis Baker is a plant species with an evergreen habit, which belongs to the family Loganiaceae. This plant is well-known for its medicinal properties, and it is commonly used in African traditional medicine. Propagation of Strychnos loandensis Baker is mostly done by seeds and cuttings. In this article, we will discuss these propagation methods in detail.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Strychnos loandensis Baker are mainly used for propagation. The seeds need to be collected from ripe fruit and cleaned thoroughly. Germination time of seeds ranges from 4 to 5 weeks, and the germination rate is not very high. Hence, it is advised to plant more than one seed to ensure successful propagation.
Before planting, the seeds must be soaked in water for 24 hours and then placed in hot water for another 24 hours. This process helps in breaking the seed coat and facilitates faster germination. After this, the seeds should be planted in a well-draining potting mix at a depth of approximately 2 cm. The pot should be placed in a warm and humid place, and the soil must be kept moist. Once the plant grows to a height of 10 cm, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or planted directly in the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a common and effective method for Strychnos loandensis Baker. Softwood cuttings taken from the upper part of the plant or semi-hardwood cuttings from the middle part of the plant can be used. The cuttings should be approximately 10 cm long and must be taken in the rainy season.
Before planting the cuttings, it is recommended to dip them in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil in a pot or directly in the ground. The soil must be kept moist, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight. It takes around 2 to 3 weeks for the cuttings to root and establish themselves.
In conclusion, Strychnos loandensis Baker can be propagated by seeds and cuttings. The success rate of propagation by seeds is relatively low, whereas propagation by cuttings is more successful. With proper care and management, the plant can be propagated easily and grown in large numbers.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos loandensis Baker Plant
Strychnos loandensis Baker is a shrub or small tree of the family Loganiaceae, native to Tropical Africa. The plant has many medicinal properties, but can be susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause damage to the leaves, flowers, and fruits. Therefore, it is essential to understand diseases and pest management strategies that can help maintain healthy plants.
Common Diseases Affecting Strychnos loandensis Baker Plant
Strychnos loandensis Baker is vulnerable to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This disease can cause the plant's leaves to wilt and turn yellow or brown. The fruits may also develop dark sunken spots, which can lead to early fruit drop. To manage anthracnose, removing infected plant debris, maintaining proper pruning practices, and applying a fungicide can help reduce its impact.
- Bacterial blight: The symptoms start with yellowing of leaves and brown spots with a dark border. The affected parts eventually dry up and drop off. To control this disease, it's important to destroy infected plant debris, and applying copper-based fungicides can control the spread of bacterial blight.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves which affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize. Proper pruning, disposing of infected plant debris, and applying fungicides early in the disease's onset can prevent further spreading.
Common Pests Affecting Strychnos loandensis Baker Plant
The plant also attracts various pests:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on plant sap and cause mottled leaves, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. The use of insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays can eliminate aphids.
- Spider Mites: These pests attack the plant's leaves, infesting them with webbing that discolours leaves and eventually kills them. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars feed on the plant's leaves, which can stunt the plant's growth and cause defoliation. Handpicking caterpillars while they're still small and applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) will help control their growth.
It is important to keep in mind that while pesticides are available on the market, natural and organic solutions can equally effectiveness and do not harm beneficial organisms and inhabitants of the environment.
