Overview
Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg, commonly known as the green-fruited monkey orange, is a tropical tree found in Eastern African countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. The plant belongs to the Loganiaceae family and is known for its psychoactive effects.
Description
The green-fruited monkey orange is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows up to a height of 6-10 meters. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown in color, while the leaves are simple and opposite with a leathery texture. The plant produces small, green, and globose fruits that turn yellow when ripe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the green-fruited monkey orange, African green monkey orange, and mkungu wa nyani in Swahili. The plant also has several other local names depending on the region, such as olele in Luo, omusave in Luganda, and enyamani in Kinyarwanda.
Uses
Strychnos melastomatoides has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its numerous therapeutic properties. The bark, roots, and fruits of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as malaria, fevers, and coughs. The plant is also used as a purgative and to stimulate appetite.
However, the plant contains strychnine, a highly toxic alkaloid that can have serious side effects such as convulsions, muscle rigidity, and death. Due to its psychoactive effects, the plant is also used by some African communities as a hallucinogenic drug.
Light Requirements
Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg is typically a shade-loving plant that prefers being shielded from direct sunlight. In the wild, it grows underneath taller trees, which protect it from harsh sunshine. As a houseplant, you can place it in a bright room that gets filtered light or near a window that doesn't have direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg plant is native to tropical climates, so it requires a warm environment to thrive. Ideally, the plant should be kept in an area with temperatures ranging between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). The minimum temperature it can tolerate is 50°F (10°C), while it can survive in temperatures as high as 85°F (29°C). Keep in mind that this plant does not tolerate extreme temperature changes, so it's best to keep it away from air conditioning units and open windows.
Soil Requirements
The Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg plant requires well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. A good soil mix should include perlite, peat moss, and organic compost. The plant thrives in soil with a pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.0. It's also essential to ensure that the soil doesn't become waterlogged, as this can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg is a tropical tree that grows well in warm and humid climates. It needs to be grown in well-draining soil, enriched with organic matter. It can be propagated through seeds or hardwood cuttings. While growing from seeds takes longer, it is more reliable as the hardwood cuttings often fail to take root.
Watering Needs
Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg requires frequent watering, especially during the dry season. However, it is essential to make sure the soil is well-drained as the plant is sensitive to oversaturation. Watering should be enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is necessary to promote healthy growth and maximum yields. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied during the growing season. Fertilizers can be applied either directly to the soil or through foliar feeding using a sprayer.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain tree size, promote branching, and enhance fruit production. Dead or diseased branches should be removed promptly. Light pruning can also be done in the early stages of growth to develop a robust framework of the tree. Heavy pruning should be avoided as it can cause the plant to produce fewer fruits.
Propagation of Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg
Propagation of Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg can be achieved through seeds or stem cuttings. Here are the details:
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits of the plant. It is best to collect the seeds when the fruit has ripened and turned yellow. After extraction, the seeds should be sown in trays or pots filled with a well-draining propagation mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 centimeters. The trays or pots should be placed in a warm, bright location, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take up to 4 weeks, depending on the conditions.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from the plant during the active growing season. Cuttings of about 10 centimeters in length should be taken from the tips of the plant. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should then be planted in pots filled with a well-draining propagation mix. The pots should be placed in a warm, bright location, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Roots should start to develop after a few weeks.
Propagation by stem cuttings can be more reliable than propagation by seeds as it guarantees the genetic identity of the parent plant.
Disease Management
Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg is a relatively disease-resistant plant; however, it is still vulnerable to a few illnesses.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves, twigs, and stems. Symptoms include circular spots with reddish-brown margins on the leaves and stems, which may grow larger and eventually cause the leaves to defoliate. To manage this disease, prune affected parts of the plant and dispose of them. Using copper-based fungicides may also help.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease affects the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and develop a white powdery coating. To control this disease, use fungicidal sprays and maintain good airflow around the plant. Pruning off affected areas may also help.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of the leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, and ensure that the soil has good drainage.
Pest Management
Strychnos melastomatoides Gilg is also prone to some pests that can damage the plant. Common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and eventually dry up. To control them, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. Regularly spraying the plant with a strong jet of water may also help.
- Caterpillars: Some caterpillars may be attracted to the plant, chewing through the leaves and causing significant damage. To manage them, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad-based insecticides or pick them off by hand and dispose of them.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that attack the leaves, causing yellowing, stippling, and eventually leaf drop. To control them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, increase the humidity around the plant, and regularly spray the plant with a strong jet of water.
