Origin of Strychnos malchairii De Wild.
Strychnos malchairii De Wild. is a plant species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae and is native to Central Africa, specifically to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. It grows in moist forests and grasslands with altitudes ranging from 800 to 2100 meters above sea level.
Common Names of Strychnos malchairii De Wild.
Strychnos malchairii De Wild. has several common names in the places where it is found. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is known as "Kamavindi, Kapemboka, or Luswi." In Rwanda, the plant is called "Umugote" or "Umuhanga," while in Burundi, it is known as "Umuhoza."
Uses of Strychnos malchairii De Wild.
The bark of Strychnos malchairii De Wild. is used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including the treatment of malaria, toothache, fever, and diarrhea. The roots are used to treat snake bites, while the stem bark is used to treat elephantiasis and gonorrhea. The plant also has economic value as the bark and leaves are used in the tanning industry to produce leather products.
General Appearance of Strychnos malchairii De Wild.
Strychnos malchairii De Wild. is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. The tree has a straight trunk that has a diameter of up to 60 cm. The leaves of the plant are simple and alternate, and they have a dark green color with a shiny surface. The flowers are small, and they are usually green in color. The fruit of the plant is a large berry-like structure that is about 10 cm in diameter and has a yellowish-brown color. The seeds are round, and they are contained in the fruit pulp.
Light Requirements
Being a tropical plant, Strychnos malchairii De Wild. has a high requirement for light. It requires direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day to grow and develop properly. Insufficient sunlight results in stunted growth and lower yields. Therefore, it should be planted in an area where it can receive full sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos malchairii De Wild. is sensitive to frost, and it cannot tolerate low temperatures. The plant grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F) and requires a minimum temperature of around 16°C (60 °F) to thrive. Maintaining warm temperatures throughout the growing season is crucial for healthy plant development.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil to grow, preferably fertile loamy or sandy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Strychnos malchairii De Wild. can grow in a variety of soils, including clayey and rocky soils, but its productivity will not be optimal in these types of environments. It is essential to ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to support the vigorous growth of the plant.
Cultivation and Care of Strychnos malchairii De Wild.
Strychnos malchairii De Wild. is a tropical plant that requires a warm and humid climate to grow well. To successfully cultivate this plant, you need to consider the following:
Planting and Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soils. It grows best in deep and fertile soils with a pH range of 6.2-6.5. It is best to plant this plant in areas with enough sunlight, as it thrives in full sun.
Watering Needs
It is advisable to water the plant regularly, especially during the dry seasons. However, care must be taken to ensure the soil is well-drained, or the roots may rot. The high water requirements of Strychnos malchairii De Wild. make it ideal for growing in areas close to rivers or streams.
Fertilization
Strychnos malchairii De Wild. requires regular fertilization to grow well. During the first two years of growth, apply a balanced fertilizer, such as NPK (20:20:20), every three months. After two years, switch to applying NPK (10:10:10) twice a year.
Pruning
Strychnos malchairii De Wild. requires minimal pruning. However, to encourage bushy growth, you may selectively prune some of the branches in the plant's early years. In later years, pruning is unnecessary, except to remove dead or diseased branches.
Propagation of Strychnos malchairii De Wild.
Strychnos malchairii De Wild. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is native to Africa and is commonly known as the Katende tree. The plant can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate S. malchairii is through seeds. Collect mature seeds from the fruit and sow them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until germination starts, which typically takes between two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have grown a few leaves, transplant them into larger pots until they are large enough to plant in the ground.
Cuttings
Another propagation method for S. malchairii is through cuttings. Take a woody cutting from a healthy plant and remove all the leaves except for the apical leaves. Dip the cutting into rooting powder and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and warm and wait for the roots to develop. Once the plant has developed a root system, transplant it to a larger pot or plant it directly into the ground.
Layering
The third propagation method for S. malchairii is layering. Select a healthy branch from the plant and bend it down towards the ground. Make sure that the branch stays in contact with the soil by using a stake or a rock to hold it in place. Once the branch has started developing roots, cut it off from the parent plant and transplant it to a new location.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is essential to keep the soil moist and warm until the plant becomes established. It is also important to note that S. malchairii grows best in well-draining soils and partial to full sunlight exposure.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos malchairii De Wild.
Strychnos malchairii De Wild., commonly known as the "toothpick" plant, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Loganiaceae and is native to the African continent. Like all plants, S. malchairii De Wild. is also prone to various diseases and pest attacks. Therefore, proper disease and pest management practices should be followed to ensure the healthy growth of the plant.
Common Diseases affecting Strychnos malchairii De Wild.
One of the most common diseases that affect S. malchairii De Wild. is root rot. This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, which lead to the root system's decay. The plant may also suffer from fungal infections, causing leaf spots that require immediate attention. Powdery mildew, another fungal disease that affects the plant, can be seen as white patches on the leaves and stems. Additionally, the plant may suffer from bacterial infections, leading to the wilting of the leaves and stems.
Managing Diseases affecting Strychnos malchairii De Wild.
To manage root rot in a S. malchairii De Wild., ensure good soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Another way to manage fungal infections is by adopting preventive measures, such as proper spacing between plants and good ventilation. Infected plants should be removed immediately, and the surrounding soil treated with a fungicide. For bacterial infections, remove the affected parts of the plant, spray the remaining plant parts with a bactericide, and avoid using overhead irrigation.
Common Pests affecting Strychnos malchairii De Wild.
One of the most common pests that infest S. malchairii De Wild. is the mealybug. These pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wither and dry up. Another pest is spider mites, which can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. The caterpillars of the African armyworm, a moth species, are also known to feed on the plant's leaves, resulting in visible damage.
Managing Pests affecting Strychnos malchairii De Wild.
For mealybugs and spider mites, remove them by hand, or spray the plant with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Another approach is to introduce natural predators such as ladybirds or lacewings that feed on these pests. For the African armyworm, use Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium that produces a toxin that kills the caterpillars.
