Overview
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore is a flowering plant belonging to the family of Loganiaceae. It is a native plant in tropical regions of Africa, particularly found in Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Tanzania, and Zambia. The plant has gained worldwide recognition for its natural occurrence of beneficial compounds that has medical, veterinary, and industrial uses.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Ncheta-Nda," "Chemtanguruk," "Mbarika," "Mwangawa," and "Andok." The name Ncheta-Nda is given to the plant in Cameroon, while Chemtanguruk is used in Tanzania. Mbarika is a name given to the plant in Congo, whereas Mwangawa is used in Gabon. In Zambia, the plant is commonly referred to as Andok.
Appearance
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore is a bushy, evergreen tree that grows up to 10 meters in height. The branches of the plant are grayish-brown, and it produces small, shiny leaves that are ovular in shape. The flowers of the plant grow in clusters and are yellow in color. The fruit of the plant is a spherical, orange-colored berry that contains seeds.
Uses
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore is a plant highly valued for its beneficial properties. The plant contains active compounds that are used in the medical and veterinary industry for its pharmacological effects. The alkaloids found in S. memecyloides are known to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimalarial properties. The plant extract has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, pains, and various digestive disorders. Additionally, the plant is used as pesticide and insect repellent, and the bark is used to produce a dye for textiles.
Light Requirements
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore thrives in areas having partial shade to full sunlight. However, it prefers bright indirect light rather than direct exposure to the sun, which can cause leaf burn. Therefore, the ideal location for the plant can be near a window or in an area that receives bright, filtered light throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore is between 60°F (16°C) and 75°F (24°C). Cooler temperatures can result in slow growth, and frost can damage or even kill the plant. So, it is important to protect the plant from extreme temperature changes and frost.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore grows well in soil that is moist and well-drained. The soil should be a mixture of sand, loam, and organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. However, it can also grow in slightly alkaline soils. The plant is also sensitive to salt levels in the soil, so it is best to avoid soils with high salt concentrations.
Cultivation of Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore, commonly known as "monkey orange," is a flowering plant that belongs to the genus Strychnos. The plant is indigenous to Africa and is well adapted to growing in tropical and subtropical climates. When cultivating the plant, it is essential to consider factors such as soil type, temperature, and sunlight exposure.
The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Sandy loam soil is ideal for monkey oranges. Before planting, it is advisable to prepare the soil adequately by adding organic matter such as manure or compost. The plant thrives in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
Watering Needs
Monkey oranges need regular watering, especially during the dry season. The plant requires a watering schedule of twice a week. However, the watering frequency may vary depending on the soil type and weather conditions. It is advisable to water the plant deeply, ensuring that the water reaches the roots.
Avoid overwatering the plant as it may cause root rot or other water-related issues. If the soil remains wet for an extended period, it indicates that the plant is receiving excess water; therefore, reduce the watering frequency.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and development, monkey oranges require regular fertilization. You can apply a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 9:9:9, or you can use compost or manure. Fertilizer should be applied twice a year, the first application during the rainy season and the second during the dry season. Avoid over-fertilization as it may lead to nutrient burn.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for monkey oranges. Pruning helps to control the plant's size, promote flower and fruit production, and enhance ventilation. The best time to prune the plant is during the dry season.
The plant's lower branches can be trimmed to promote ventilation and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Additionally, you can prune damaged, diseased, or dead branches. When pruning, use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore, also known as the "monkey orange" tree, is a tropical plant native to Africa. This fruit-bearing tree can easily be propagated through several methods, such as seeds, cuttings, grafting, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
The most common and easiest way to propagate Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from ripe fruits and planted immediately or stored in a cool, dry place for later use.
When planting the seeds, it's best to soak them in water for several hours before sowing. Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they're big enough to handle.
Cutting Propagation
Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken from a mature tree. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Cut a healthy stem from the parent plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm, shaded area until it roots. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or outdoors in suitable soil.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a method of propagation commonly used for Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore. It involves joining the stem of a preferred cultivar, known as the scion, onto a rootstock of a closely related plant. This method ensures that the fruit produced by the tree is consistent with the original parent tree.
The scion is usually taken from a mature tree and inserted onto the rootstock using a grafting tape or clip. The graft is then kept in a warm, humid environment until it has successfully joined together.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that involves rooting a stem while it's still attached to the parent plant. This method is beneficial for Strychnos memecyloides S.Moore because the plant can continue to grow while new roots develop.
To air layer, select a healthy stem from the parent tree and make a small cut on the bark. Place a rooting hormone powder on the cut, and then wrap it tightly with a damp sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and tie it securely to prevent moisture loss.
Within a couple of months, roots will start to form, and the layered stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into a suitable growing medium.
Disease Management
Strychnos memecyloides is known to be susceptible to various diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and stem canker. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can be recognized by the white or gray powdery coating on the plant's leaves and stems. Leaf spot is also caused by a fungus and can be identified by the dark brown or black spots on the leaves. Stem canker, on the other hand, affects the stem of the plant, causing it to become discolored and swollen, and eventually leading to the withering and death of the plant.
One of the most effective ways to manage these diseases is to ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil. Overwatering and poor drainage can create conditions that favor the growth of these fungal diseases. It is also important to remove and destroy any infected plant parts as soon as they are noticed. This can help prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the plant.
If the disease is severe, it may be necessary to use fungicides to control it. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and use the recommended dosage to avoid damaging the plant or causing harm to the environment.
Pest Management
Strychnos memecyloides is also vulnerable to a variety of pest attacks, including spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves, as well as webbing on the plant. Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the plant's sap and can cause stunted growth and leaf drop. Whiteflies, on the other hand, are small, winged insects that feed on the underside of the leaves and can cause yellowing and wilting of the plant.
To manage these pests, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and remove any affected parts. Insecticidal soap can also be used to control these pests, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and use the recommended dosage to avoid damaging the plant.
Another effective way to manage pests is to promote a healthy plant by providing proper nutrition and care. A healthy plant is more likely to resist pest attacks. It is also important to avoid overcrowding plants, as this can create conditions that favor pest infestations.
Overall, disease and pest management requires regular monitoring and care for the plant. By taking the necessary steps to prevent and control these issues, growers can ensure the health and vitality of Strychnos memecyloides and promote optimal growth and development.
