Overview of Strychnos mortehanii De Wild.
Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. is a plant that belongs to the Strychnos genus, which is part of the Loganiaceae family. The plant is native to Central Africa and is commonly found in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is known by several common names, including "kendzo," "kpèkèkè," and "bois chien" in Cameroon and "ekoayong" in Gabon.
General Appearance of Strychnos mortehanii De Wild.
Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The tree has a straight trunk and a pyramidal or round crown. The bark is grayish-brown and is mostly smooth with some rough patches. The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptical with a smooth, glossy surface and a bright green color. The flowers are white or cream-colored and are small and tubular with a sweet fragrance. The fruit is a globose or ellipsoid berry that is green when immature and turns yellow or orange when ripe. The fruit contains several flat, oval-shaped seeds that are brown with a thin, papery covering.
Uses of Strychnos mortehanii De Wild.
Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. has several medicinal uses among local communities in Central Africa. The bark, leaves, and roots of the plant are used to prepare decoctions that are used to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and stomach disorders. The fruit and seeds are used to make a paste that is applied topically to treat skin conditions such as wounds, boils, and ulcers. In some communities, the plant is also used as a traditional remedy for snake bites.
Besides its medicinal properties, Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. has other uses. The wood of the tree is hard and durable and is used to make tools, furniture, and construction materials. In Cameroon, the bark of the tree is used to make dye for textiles. Additionally, the fruit is consumed by local communities as a source of food, and the seeds are used as beads for jewelry.
Growth Conditions for Strychnos mortehanii De Wild.
Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. commonly known as the poison arrow tree is a small tree species native to West and Central Africa. Understanding the typical growth conditions for this plant is essential for successful cultivation.
Light requirements
Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. thrives under full sun exposure. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to promote healthy growth. The plant may grow in partial shade, but the growth rate will be slower, and the plant may not produce as many flowers and fruits as those growing in full sun exposure.
Temperature requirements
The preferred temperature range for Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 40°C. However, the growth rate and health of the plant may be affected when grown in extreme temperature ranges. It is important to protect the plant from frost since it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.
Soil requirements
Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. grows well in well-drained soils. A pH range of 5.6 to 7.5 is preferred for optimal growth. Soil that is too acidic or too alkaline can cause stunted growth or poor fruit production. The plant prefers nutrient-rich soils, and it may benefit from regular fertilization.
In conclusion, understanding the growth conditions for Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. is crucial for successful cultivation. The plant thrives under full sun exposure, requires a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C, and prefers well-drained nutrient-rich soils.
Cultivation methods
Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is typically grown in well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. Planting should be done during the rainy season, and the ideal temperature for growth is between 20°C to 30°C. It is recommended to grow the plant in a shaded area to protect it from direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn.
Watering needs
Proper watering is essential for the healthy growth of Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season and should be watered deeply but infrequently to prevent overwatering. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. During the dry season, when rainfall is scarce, the plant should be supplemented with sufficient water.
Fertilization
Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. benefits from regular feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are ideal and can be applied every four to six weeks. Organic fertilizers are also an excellent option for this plant, as they promote healthy soil ecology and improve nutrient uptake.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the proper growth and health of Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. Dead, diseased, and damaged branches should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection. Additionally, pruning is necessary to shape the plant and maintain a desirable size. It is recommended to prune the plant during the dry season to promote new growth during the rainy season.
Propagation of Strychnos mortehanii De Wild.
Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. can be propagated through various methods. These include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. can be sown directly into well-draining soil. The seeds should be gently pressed into the soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Germination can take up to two months. Once the seedlings grow their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Vegetative Propagation
Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. can also be propagated vegetatively through softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, and hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken in the spring, semi-hardwood cuttings are taken in the summer, while hardwood cuttings are taken in the winter. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining potting mix. They should be kept in a warm and humid environment until roots develop.
Air-layering
Another propagation method for Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. is air-layering. This method involves wounding a small section of a stem to promote root growth. The wounded section is wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and secured with a plastic wrap. Once roots have developed, the rooted section can be cut and planted in a pot with a well-draining potting mix.
Regardless of the method chosen, propagation of Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. should be done with care to ensure successful propagation of the plant.
Disease Management
Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: Caused by the fungus Colletotrichum?gloeosporioides, this disease first appears as small, water-soaked lesions that later develop into sunken necrotic lesions.?Control measures for anthracnose include pruning and removing infected plant parts, using disease-free seedlings, and applying fungicides.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by the soil-borne fungi Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., and Rhizoctonia solani. Root rot manifests as yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. It can be prevented by improving soil drainage, using disease-free seedlings, and reducing the frequency of watering.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe?cichoracearum. It appears as a whitish powder on the plant's leaves and twigs. Infected plant parts should be removed, and fungicides should be applied. Additionally, increasing air circulation can help prevent powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Common pests that affect Strychnos mortehanii De Wild. include:
- Spider Mites: These tiny, sap-sucking pests can cause leaf yellowing and defoliation. They are controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that attach to the plant's stems and leaves, causing yellowing and curling. They can be removed by touching them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths or butterflies. They feed on the plant's leaves, causing holes and defoliation. They can be controlled by using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or other insecticides.
Overall, applying proper cultural practices such as regular watering, pruning, and fertilization can help prevent pest and disease problems in Strychnos mortehanii De Wild.
