Overview of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. is a plant species belonging to the genus Strychnos and the family Loganiaceae. It is a dioecious shrub or small tree found in Central Africa, particularly in Cameroon and Gabon.
Common Names of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
The plant is commonly referred to as Ndeng, Ngale or Mbouba in Cameroon. In Gabon, it is known as Louboutou.
Appearance of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
The plant is a woody dioecious shrub or small tree, with a height range that varies from 1-6 meters and a trunk diameter of up to 15 cm. The bark is dark and smooth with longitudinal lines. The leaves are long, oval-shaped and shiny, measuring around 10-25 cm in length and 3-8 cm in width. The branches are thin, flexible, and slightly twisted. The flowers of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. are usually greenish-white and small, measuring approximately 4-5 mm in diameter. The fruit is also small and round, measuring about 1 cm in diameter. The fruit has a green color when unripe and a yellowish-red color when ripe.
Uses of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
The plant is known in African traditional medicine as an antimalarial, antivenom, aphrodisiac, and an appetite stimulant. The roots, bark, and leaves of the plant have a bitter taste and are used to make decoctions or infusions to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, cough, venereal diseases, and headache. It is also used as a natural insect repellent. The seeds of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. are considered highly poisonous and contain strychnine, which is used in small quantities as a skeletal muscle relaxant. However, the plant's seeds are not used in traditional medicine.
Light Requirements
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. thrives under bright, indirect sunlight. It is ideal to keep this plant near an east-facing window, as it receives enough light in the morning sun. Direct sunlight, especially during the summer season, can scorch its leaves and cause damage.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). These conditions mimic the plant's natural habitat in tropical Africa. Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can stunt the growth of the plant and harm its leaves and stem. Keep the plant away from any cold drafts or air conditioning units.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, such as peat moss, loam, or sand. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.5). It is important to give the plant enough drainage as it hates sitting in water, which will cause root rot and other diseases. Adding perlite or other similar materials can help with drainage.
Cultivation of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. is a tropical plant that is native to Africa, specifically Cameroon. It requires warm temperatures, humid conditions, and well-draining soil to thrive. It will do well in partial shade or full sun, depending on the climate and the location in which it is grown.
The plant can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or air-layering. Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants in the spring or early summer and dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mixture. Air-layering involves removing a small ring of bark from a stem and covering it with moist soil until roots develop.
Watering Needs
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. requires regular watering to thrive. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. If the plant is grown in a container, the soil should be checked daily, and water added if needed. During the dry season, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized frequently during the growing season, which is typically from early spring to late summer. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil and watered in.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr., but it can be done to shape the plant or remove dead or damaged limbs. Pruning can be done in the spring or early summer before new growth appears. The plant should be pruned with sharp, clean shears to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr., commonly known as Ndengué, is a medicinal plant species that can be propagated through various methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Strychnos ndengensis can be collected from fruits that are fully matured. The collected seeds must be cleaned, treated with a fungicide, and sowed in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be covered lightly with potting mix and kept in a warm and humid environment until they germinate in around 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings develop two to three leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation through cuttings is also possible with Strychnos ndengensis. Healthy shoots of around 15 cm long should be selected and cut from the mother plant. The lower leaves of the cuttings should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings must then be planted in a rooting medium such as vermiculite or perlite, and kept under high humidity until they develop roots. Once the roots are established, the cuttings can be transplanted into pots or the ground.
Division propagation
Another propagation method for Strychnos ndengensis is through division. The mother plant can be carefully removed from the soil and divided into smaller sections. These sections should have a sufficient number of roots and at least one growing point. The divided sections can then be planted into separate containers or directly into the ground.
Overall, seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and division propagation are the recommended ways to propagate Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr., commonly known as Ndeng, is a tropical tree species that is native to Central and West Africa. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects leaves, stems, and fruits of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. Infected leaves develop dark brown or black spots that can eventually cause defoliation. Fruits can also be severely affected, leading to rotting and reduced yield. To manage anthracnose, farmers should ensure that the plant has good air circulation, and infected leaves and fruits should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. Infected leaves usually turn yellow or brown and then die off. To manage powdery mildew, farmers should ensure that the plants are well spaced to promote air circulation. The use of fungicides can also be effective in managing the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: These are small, white, cottony insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. Infested plants usually show stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting. To manage mealybugs, farmers can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also be effective in controlling mealybugs.
Mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the leaves of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. Infested leaves develop yellow or white spots and may eventually become dry and brittle. To manage mites, farmers can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing natural predators like predatory mites can also be effective in controlling them.
By being vigilant and promptly addressing any disease or pest issues, farmers can help ensure the healthy growth and yield of their Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. plants.
