Overview of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Loganiaceae. This plant is commonly known as the "Orange-fruit Strychnos" or "River Poison". It is a small, evergreen tree that grows up to 10 m in height. The plant is mostly found in tropical Africa, particularly in South Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya.
Description of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse
The Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse tree has a smooth and gray bark. The leaves of this plant are simple, glossy, and dark green in color. They are arranged in opposite pairs and have a shiny appearance. Its flowers are white, inconspicuous, and form dense clusters. The fruit is roughly spherical, about 3 cm in diameter and yellow when ripe, resembling a small orange but tougher in texture.
Uses of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse is an essential medicinal plant with many uses. The plant is traditionally used in African medicine to treat malaria, fever, and other ailments. The powdered bark of the plant is used to treat stomach disorders, diarrhea, and dysentery. The root bark is used as a painkiller and helps with respiratory problems such as coughs, bronchitis and asthma. The fruits are edible and are used in the production of juices or as a food colorant. The plant's root is highly toxic - it contains strychnine and is sometimes used to poison fish in order to easily catch them. Therefore, caution should be observed while handling the plant.
General Appearance of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse
The general appearance of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse is that of a small, evergreen tree with simple, dark green, and glossy leaves. Its fruit is roughly spherical, about 3 cm in diameter and yellow when ripe resembling a small orange but tougher in texture. The bark of the tree is gray and has a smooth texture. The flowers of the plant are white and form dense clusters.
Overall, Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse is a plant that has both medicinal and edible uses, but its toxicity means that it must be treated with caution.Growth Conditions of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse Plant
Light: Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse grows well in partial shade to full sun. However, it is important to note that excessive direct sunlight can lead to leaf burns and hamper growth. Therefore, it is best to provide filtered sunlight.
Temperature: This plant thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C. It cannot survive in temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C. So, it's important to keep the plant in a moderate temperature to ensure that it grows healthy and strong.
Soil Requirements: The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It requires a soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. However, the soil should not retain excess water as this can lead to root rot. You can amend the soil with organic matter and sand to improve its texture and drainage.
Moreover, it is essential to choose a pot with adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. You can also add a layer of gravel at the base of the pot to ensure proper water drainage.
In conclusion, Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse plant requires adequate sunlight, moderate temperature, and well-draining soil to grow well. By meeting these growth conditions, you can ensure that your plant thrives and produces healthy foliage.
Cultivation Methods of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse, also known as the "Monkey Orange" tree, is a slow-growing plant that can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. The plant requires hot and humid conditions to grow well and can be grown in soil that is well-drained and rich in nutrients. While it prefers a slightly acidic soil, the plant can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.
Watering Needs of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse
The Monkey Orange tree requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It needs well-drained soil that is slightly moist. Overwatering or underwatering can damage the plant's root system and affect its overall growth. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions.
Fertilization of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse requires regular fertilization for optimal growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every three months during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can cause salt buildup in the soil and damage the plant's roots.
Pruning of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse
The Monkey Orange tree requires minimal pruning. Pruning is only necessary to remove dead or diseased wood, to maintain a good shape, or to remove any branches that rub against each other. Prune the plant during the dormant season, just before new growth appears. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and cut back to a healthy, living branch or node. Avoid excessive pruning, as this can stunt the plant's growth.
Propagation of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse, commonly known as the African monkey orange, is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to Africa. The plant is known for its hardy nature, tolerance to drought, and resistance to pests and diseases, making it an ideal plant for propagation.
Propagation Methods
The plant can be propagated through two methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Strychnos myrtoides. Seeds should be collected from fresh fruits and sown immediately. The seeds should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 3-4 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted once they have grown to about 6 inches tall.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Strychnos myrtoides can be done through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be about 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm until new growth appears. Once new growth appears, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Overall, Strychnos myrtoides is a hardy plant that can be propagated easily through seed or vegetative methods.
Common Diseases
The plant Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse is generally considered hardy and disease-resistant, but it is still susceptible to certain diseases. Root rot and leaf spot are two of the most common diseases that can affect this plant.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant and can cause them to rot and become mushy. To prevent root rot, it is important to make sure the plant is not overwatered, and that there is good drainage in the soil. If root rot has already affected the plant, it is important to remove the affected parts and treat the remaining plant with a fungicide.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It can cause yellowing and uncharacteristic spots on the leaves, as well as premature leaf drop. To control leaf spot, it is important to maintain good hygiene around the plant, including removing diseased leaves and disinfecting the area around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to treat leaf spot.
Common Pests
The plant Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse is also susceptible to pest attacks. The most common pests that affect this plant are mealybugs and spider mites.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white, cottony-looking insects that suck the sap out of the plant and can cause wilting, yellowing and stunted growth. To control mealybugs, it is important to maintain good hygiene around the plant and remove all infested material. Insecticides, such as soapy water and neem oil, can also be used to control mealybugs.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that suck the sap out of the plant and can cause wilting, yellowing and a silvery appearance on the leaves. To control spider mites, it is important to maintain good hygiene around the plant and remove all infested material. Insecticides, such as soapy water and neem oil, can also be used to control spider mites.
