Overview
Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg, also known as the monkey orange, is a tree species in the Strychnaceae family. The plant is native to the tropical regions of Africa, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, and Gabon.Common Names
The plant is commonly known as monkey orange due to its fruit's resemblance to an orange. It is also called eyin olobe in Nigeria, mbamba in Cameroon, ndingwita in Gabon, and elimbi in Republic of Congo.Appearance
Strychnos melastomatoides is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 25 metres tall. It has a dense canopy with a rounded or irregular shape. The bark is smooth, greyish-brown in colour, and sometimes has a scaly or corky texture. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate with a glossy green surface. The tree is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are found on separate trees. The flowers are pale yellow or greenish-white, borne in clusters towards the end of the branches. The fruit is a large, round, and woody capsule that can grow up to 25 centimetres in diameter. The capsule is thick and hard, with a smooth surface, green when young and turning yellow or brown when ripe. The pulp inside the fruit is edible, with a juicy, sweet, and slightly acidic taste.Uses
The fruits of Strychnos melastomatoides are the primary source of its economic value. They are usually gathered from the wild and consumed fresh, although they can also be cooked or used to make jams, jellies or preserves. The fruit pulp contains citric acid and a high level of Vitamin C, making it a valuable source of nutrition for local communities. The bark and roots of the tree have been used for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of fever, malaria, and respiratory infections. The seeds and bark contain alkaloids, including strychnine and brucine, which are toxic and can cause severe poisoning. However, the plant's toxicity is relatively low, and the fruit, when ripe, is safe for human consumption.Light Requirements
Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg requires a moderate amount of sunlight exposure to thrive. It is best suited to growing in partial sunlight. Insufficient sunlight may cause poor growth and development of the plant, while excessive exposure to direct sunlight could lead to leaf scorching or drying out.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures, but a warm, humid environment is optimal. In general, temperatures above 50°F (10°C) are required for the growth and development of S. melastomatoides. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C). Lower temperatures may slow growth, and frost can be detrimental to the plant.
Soil Requirements
S. melastomatoides grows well in moist soil, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a good water-holding capacity. The soil should be rich in organic matter, which can be accomplished through regular applications of compost or manure. It is also essential to ensure that the soil is not too compacted, as this can lead to poor drainage, which can cause root rot.
Cultivation methods
Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg is a plant native to tropical Africa. When cultivating this plant, it is essential to provide a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature range for cultivation is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This plant requires a well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seed germination can be challenging for the S. melastomatoides Gilg, and it's necessary to place the seeds in a propagation bed, under a mist system that provides a high level of humidity.
Watering needs
Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg requires a constant supply of moisture. The plant should not be allowed to dry out, nor should it be overwatered. It's critical to monitor the soil moisture level and water the plant when the top layer of soil starts to feel dry to the touch.
During the dry season, the plant should receive frequent watering to maintain adequate soil moisture. However, care should be taken to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
The Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg plant requires regular fertilization to ensure proper growth and development. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilization program that provides sufficient levels of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
A slow-release fertilizer applied in smaller amounts every four to six weeks during the growing season can be a great option.
Pruning
Pruning Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg is essential to maintain its shape and promote robust growth. The plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The pruning should focus on removing any dead, diseased, or overgrown branches.
If the plant has become too large or unruly, it can be pruned back by up to one-third of its overall size. It is best to use sharp and sterile pruning tools to avoid causing damage to the plant.
Propagation of Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg
Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg, also known as the apple-ring tree, is a slow-growing tree that is native to parts of southern Africa. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg can be collected from mature fruit. The seeds need to be removed from the fruit, washed, and dried before planting. The seeds can be sown in seed trays filled with well-draining soil and kept in a warm, humid place until germination occurs. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have grown strong enough to handle.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can be done using stem cuttings from mature trees. The cuttings should be taken from healthy trees that are free of diseases. The cuttings should be approximately 15-20 cm long and should be taken during the dormant season. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid place until they start rooting. Once roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is a method that involves burying a part of the stem of the plant in the soil. This method can be done by gently bending a branch of a mature tree and burying a section of it in the soil. The branch should be held in place using a stake or a rock. The buried section of the branch will start forming roots, and a new plant will grow from it. Once the new plant has grown strong enough, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into its own pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg
Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg, commonly known as the potato bush, is a flowering shrub that belongs to the Strychnos family. This plant is native to East Africa and has several medicinal properties. However, like other plants, S. melastomatoides is also susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to manage these issues effectively.
Common Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that occurs on the surface of leaves and stem. This disease is characterized by a white or gray powder-like substance that covers the infected parts. To manage this disease, you should remove the infected parts and apply appropriate fungicides.
2. Leaf Spot Disease: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the potato bush. It is characterized by brown spots on the leaves that can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize. To manage this disease, you should remove the infected parts and apply appropriate fungicides.
3. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the potato bush. This disease is characterized by a reddish-brown discoloration of the roots, and infected roots become soft and mushy. To manage this disease, you should ensure proper drainage and avoid over-watering the plant. You should also remove the infected parts and apply appropriate fungicides.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves of the potato bush. This can cause the leaves to curl, wilt, and turn yellow. To manage this pest, you can spray the plant with a solution of insecticidal soap and water.
2. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of the leaves of the potato bush. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage this pest, you can spray the plant with a solution of insecticidal soap and water.
3. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of the potato bush. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and develop small white spots. To manage this pest, you can spray the plant with a solution of insecticidal soap and water.
Overall, to maintain healthy productivity of S. melastomatoides, it is essential to monitor the plant regularly and apply preventive measures to avoid disease and pest infestation. In case of severe infestation, it is best to consult a professional for appropriate management methods.
