Description of Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore var. effusior S.Moore
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore var. effusior S.Moore is a flowering plant that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is commonly known as "Makopakopa" among the locals. The plant is native to the tropical regions of East Africa, primarily found in Tanzania and Kenya.
Appearance
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore var. effusior S.Moore is a moderate-sized tree, which usually grows up to 10 meters in height. The stem and branches are sparsely hairy with pale green leaves that are broadly elliptical, being about 8 to 14 cm long and 4 to 8 cm wide. The color of the leaves varies from grayish-green to dark green, and the underside is slightly hairy. The plant is characterized by its greenish to yellowish flowers, which are small, tubular, and have five petals that are about 5 mm wide.
Uses
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore var. effusior S.Moore has many traditional medicinal properties and is used in various African cultures to treat various ailments. The bark of the tree contains alkaloids, which are used to treat arthritis, fever, and other health problems. The roots of the tree have been used to treat toothaches and other oral ailments. The seeds of the tree are used to make a potent poison, which was long used in the past for hunting purposes.
The plant is also used for ornamental purposes because of its beautiful foliage. With its glossy green leaves and fragrant flowers, it is a popular choice for home and gardens among the locals in East Africa.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore var. effusior S.Moore is a unique and useful plant in East Africa. While it has many traditional medicinal uses, it also serves the purposes of the locals as an ornamental plant. However, the poisonous nature of its seeds should be handled with caution.
Light Requirements
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore var. effusior requires full sunlight to thrive and grow optimally. The plant should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, it is essential to place the plant in a well-lit room or near a window that receives adequate sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. It grows well in temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The minimum temperature requirement is 18°C (64°F) while the maximum is 35°C(95°F). It is crucial to protect the plant from cold drafts and low temperatures as they can cause damage or even death to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore var. effusior requires well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil needs to be moist but not waterlogged as it can lead to root rot. A pH between 5.5 to 7.5 is optimal, with slightly acidic soil being preferred. Organic matter such as compost or manure can be added to the soil to enhance its fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore var. effusior S.Moore is a plant that thrives in a warm and humid environment. It requires well-drained soil and can grow in both partial shade and direct sunlight. When cultivating this plant, it is recommended to start from seed as the plant is difficult to propagate through cuttings. During the flowering period, it is important to provide adequate ventilation to prevent fungal diseases from developing.
Watering Needs
This plant prefers moist soil but is intolerant of water-logging. Therefore, it is important to water the plant regularly but not excessively. During the dry season, it is recommended to increase the frequency of watering to maintain the adequate moisture levels in the soil. It is also essential to avoid watering the foliage, as this can cause fungal diseases to develop.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of this plant, it is recommended to fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. It is best to apply the fertilizer once a month at a recommended dosage to avoid over-fertilization. Over-fertilization can burn the plant's roots and cause leaf drop. Additionally, it is crucial to provide the plant with sufficient nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
Pruning
Pruning Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore var. effusior S.Moore is essential for maintaining its structure, shape, and overall health. Prune any broken, diseased, or dead branches as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant period before the emergence of new growth. Additionally, pruning is used to control the size of the plant, encourage branching, and promote flowering.
Propagation of Strychnos memecyloides var. effusior
The plant Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore var. effusior S.Moore has various methods of natural propagation, but there are also methods of propagation that can be artificially employed to establish new plants. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are a natural way of propagating Strychnos memecyloides var. effusior. Fresh seeds from ripe fruits are the most viable and can be stored in a cool and dry place for a short period. Treatment with hot water, scarification, or soaking in water can improve germination rates, especially for hard-coated seed varieties.
Cuttage Propagation
Hardwood stem cuttings can be a reliable method of propagation for Strychnos memecyloides var. effusior. Semi-hardwood stem cuttings collected during the growing season are ideal and treated with IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) to stimulate rooting. The cuttings are then planted in rooting media and placed under mist with controlled heat and light conditions for optimal rooting. Once roots develop, the cuttings can be transplanted into potting mix or soil.
Air-Layer Propagation
Air-layering is a propagation method suitable for plants that are difficult to propagate through cuttings. A section of the stem of a healthy Strychnos memecyloides var. effusior plant is chosen and carefully scraped or girdled to expose the cambium layer, creating wounds that stimulate root development. The wounded area is packed with rooting hormone and covered with moist moss and plastic wrap to create a humid environment. Air-layered plants root in four to ten weeks and can be detached from the mother plant and potted as individual plants.
Disease Management
Like many plants, Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore var. effusior S.Moore is susceptible to diseases that can lead to reduced growth or death of the plant. Some common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, defoliation, and even death of the plant. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and use fungicides on the affected areas.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant, leading to slow growth and eventual death. To prevent this disease, ensure adequate drainage and avoid over-watering the plant. If root rot is detected, remove the affected plant parts and use fungicides on the remaining areas.
- Leaf spot: This is a common disease that can cause yellowing or browning of the leaves, as well as leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and use fungicides on the remaining parts of the plant.
Pest Management
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore var. effusior S.Moore may also be affected by pests, which can cause damage and reduce the plant's productivity. Some common pests that may affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, curling leaves, and yellowing. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps and oils or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
- Spider mites: These pests are common in hot, dry conditions and can cause a web-like appearance on the leaves, as well as yellowing and premature leaf drop. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant and use insecticidal soaps or oils.
- Scale insects: These pests appear as small, immobile bumps on the stems and leaves and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, use insecticidal soaps or oils and remove heavily infested plant parts.
