Overview of Strychnos micans S.Moore
Strychnos micans S.Moore, commonly known as the black monkey orange, is a tropical plant that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. This plant species is native to the eastern part of Africa, specifically Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The plant's name is derived from its oval-shaped fruit, which has a tough outer layer and a dark orange or reddish-brown interior.
Physical Characteristics
The black monkey orange plant can grow up to 10 meters in height with a trunk diameter of 20 cm. It has a horizontal branching pattern that creates a broad and dense canopy. The leaves of S. micans are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped with a prominent venation that runs through the midrib. When mature, the plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in clusters. The fruit of the plant has a hard, brittle shell that contains several small, black seeds emitting an unmistakable and potent odor.
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
In East African communities, Strychnos micans S.Moore is an essential plant in traditional medicine. Its roots and bark are used as a remedy for a variety of ailments such as snake bites, fever, headache, and stomach complications. The human use of this plant for medical purposes is not recommended, as consuming parts of S. micans can be highly toxic and can even lead to possible death. Moreover, known for its intensely bitter fruit, local people mix it with cow milk to make a cheese-like snack, and occasionally they consume the fruit in small amounts more for the hair-raising sensation and psychoactive effect than as a meal.
Other Uses
Besides its medicinal use, the black monkey orange plant has other purposes. Its leaves serve as a forage for browsing wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and in some cases, antelopes. The wood of the plant is tough, lustrous, and durable, making it suitable for construction, furniture, and poles. Also, the fruit of the black monkey orange is coveted by some bird species like hornbills as they can break open the hard shells with their large bills in search of the tasty pulp covering the seeds.
Light requirements
Strychnos micans requires bright, direct sunlight to thrive. It is typically found growing in open clearings and along forest edges. In cultivation, it is important to provide the plant with as much sunlight as possible, especially during the growing season. However, it should be protected from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for S. micans is between 20°C and 30°C (68°F - 86°F). It can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature, but sudden drops or extended periods of cold can damage or kill the plant. In regions where temperatures regularly drop below 10°C (50°F), the plant must be grown indoors or in a greenhouse to protect it from the cold.
Soil requirements
S. micans prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant does not tolerate drought well, so care should be taken to ensure it receives adequate water. If grown in a container, a potting mix that contains peat moss or other organic materials can provide the ideal growing medium.
Cultivation of Strychnos micans S.Moore
Strychnos micans S.Moore is a tropical evergreen tree that prefers warm and humid conditions. It is best grown in areas with a temperature range of 20-30°C (68-86°F) and high humidity levels. The plant can be propagated through seeds and cuttings.
The seeds should be pre-soaked for 24 hours before planting, and they should be sown in seed trays filled with well-draining soil. The seedlings should be transplanted to bigger pots after the first set of leaves appear. The plant requires a slightly acidic soil pH (6-6.5) for optimal growth.
Watering Needs of Strychnos micans S.Moore
Strychnos micans S.Moore requires frequent watering to maintain the soil moist. However, overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot. The plant should be watered when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. It is also advisable to group the plant with other plants to increase humidity levels and reduce water loss through transpiration.
Fertilization of Strychnos micans S.Moore
The plant requires regular fertilization to promote growth and ensure optimal health. Fertilizers high in nitrogen should be applied during the growing season to promote growth and leaf development. During the flowering season, fertilizers high in phosphorous should be applied to encourage flower and fruit development.
Organic fertilizers can also be used to feed the plant. Compost or well-decomposed manure can be added to the soil to provide the plant with essential nutrients.
Pruning of Strychnos micans S.Moore
Pruning is essential to promote proper growth and shape of the plant. Strychnos micans S.Moore can be pruned to control its height and promote bushiness. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid damaging the plant. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
In conclusion, Strychnos micans S.Moore is a tropical evergreen tree that requires warm and humid conditions to thrive. Its care involves regular watering, fertilization, and pruning to promote proper growth and optimal health.
Propagation of Strychnos micans S.Moore
Strychnos micans S.Moore is a woody vine species. Propagation of Strychnos micans can be done in various ways such as by seeds, cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Strychnos micans S.Moore are generally used for propagation. The seeds are collected from the mature fruits. After collection, the pulp is removed by washing the seeds in water. The cleaned seeds are sowed in a nursery bed filled with well-drained soil. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of 1 to 2 cm. They should be watered regularly and protected from direct sunlight. Germination of seeds starts within 2-3 weeks, and after one year, seedlings are ready for transplanting.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a common method for Strychnos micans. This method is commonly used in countries like India, where the species occurs naturally. Healthy and matured stem cuttings of 15 to 20 cm in length with three to four nodes are collected at the beginning of the rainy season. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone to stimulate rooting and then planted in a rooting medium of soil, sand, and compost. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and in about 4 to 6 weeks, roots start to develop, and the plant is ready for transplanting.
Propagation by layering
Propagation by layering is another method for Strychnos micans S.Moore. In this method, matured stems are bent and buried partially in a prepared rooting medium of soil and sand. The portion buried should be wounded and treated with a rooting hormone to stimulate rooting. When the roots have developed, the new plant can be separated and transplanted into a new bed.
Propagation by grafting
Grafting is another method of propagation. This method is used for the propagation of desired cultivars of Strychnos micans and also to enhance the growth of the plant. The most common method used for grafting is cleft grafting. In this method, the scion should be selected from the disease-free, pest-free, and healthy mother plants. The scion is then grafted onto the rootstock of the same species. The grafted plant is wrapped with plastic sheets, and after about two weeks, it is unwrapped to check the union of the scion with the rootstock.
Disease and Pest Management of Strychnos micans S.Moore
Strychnos micans S.Moore is a plant that is native to Central and West Africa. As with any plant, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Proper management and prevention strategies can help to minimize the impact of these issues.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Strychnos micans S.Moore is root rot. This fungal disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage, and can be prevented by ensuring the plant is in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. Other diseases that may affect the plant include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and stem cankers.
Another ailment that can affect Strychnos micans S.Moore is blight. This bacterial disease causes wilting, blackening, and death of the leaves and stems of the plant. The best defense against blight is to maintain good plant hygiene by removing infected plant parts and avoiding overhead watering, which can spread the bacteria.
Common Pests
Strychnos micans S.Moore may also be susceptible to a variety of pests. Common pests of this plant include spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. These pests can be managed through various methods, including manual removal, insecticidal sprays, and introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Another pest that has been known to attack Strychnos micans S.Moore is the stem borer. These pests lay their eggs in the stems of the plant, causing significant damage. Prevention measures include keeping the plant healthy and vigorous and removing and destroying any infested stems.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated pest management involves a combination of prevention, monitoring, and control strategies to manage pests and diseases in plants. Prevention measures include maintaining good plant hygiene, improving growing conditions, and selecting disease-resistant cultivars. Monitoring involves regularly checking for signs of pests and diseases and taking action if needed.
If pesticides are needed, it is important to select the appropriate product for the specific pest or disease and to follow all label directions. It is also important to use pesticides only as a last resort and to use them in conjunction with other control measures.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, the health and vigor of Strychnos micans S.Moore can be maintained, promoting optimal growth and productivity.
