Overview
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. is a flowering plant belonging to the family Loganiaceae. It is a rare species that is native to Cameroon. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for decades.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as "Alanghe" in the Ndengereko language. It is also referred to as "Ndikouia" in the Ewondo language.
Appearance
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. is a small tree that can reach up to 10 meters in height. The tree has a dense, broad crown, and the branches are covered with smooth gray bark. The leaves are dark green and leathery, with a glossy surface. The plant produces fragrant flowers that are yellowish-white in color and are pollinated by bees. The fruit is an orange to red berry containing seeds that are highly poisonous.
Uses
The bark, roots, and leaves of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as malaria, fever, and stomach disorders. The plant contains alkaloids that act as stimulants to the central nervous system. However, due to the high toxicity of its seeds, it is essential to use caution when using this plant for any medicinal purposes.
Light Requirements
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. requires bright but indirect light. It grows best with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Direct sunlight should be limited as it may cause leaf burns and plant stress.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. is between 20 to 30°C. The minimum temperature tolerated by the plant is about 15°C, while the maximum tolerated temperature is about 35°C. Extreme temperatures should be avoided as they may affect plant growth, flowering, and fruiting.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 to 7.5. A mix of loam soil and organic matter such as compost or manure is suitable for the growth of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as excess water may cause root rot and damage the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
When cultivating Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr., it is important to note that the plant is native to Cameroon and grows in well-drained soils in forest areas. The plant requires partial shade, which means it is ideal to grow it under the canopy of trees. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball, add compost to enhance the soil, and plant the tree at the same depth it was in a nursery container. After planting, water the tree and cover the soil around the tree with mulch to prevent moisture loss and maintain a cool temperature.
Watering Needs for Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. requires regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot. During the dry season, water the plant more often, making sure that the soil doesn't dry out completely. The frequency of watering depends on weather conditions and the soil type. It is recommended to use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to water the plant because these methods reduce water waste and avoid water stress on the plant.
Fertilization of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
When it comes to fertilization, Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. requires a balanced fertilizer to enhance its growth. Apply a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen in early spring before the growing season. During the growing season, apply a liquid fertilizer every two weeks to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season because it doesn't need as many nutrients as it does during the growing season.
Pruning Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
Pruning Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. is not necessary, but it can help to promote better growth and maintain the desired shape. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears. Focus on removing dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of any diseases or pests. Additionally, prune the plant to remove any crossing branches or branches that are growing towards the center of the plant. This will create a better shape and improve air circulation around the plant.
Propagation of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
The propagation of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. can be done by both seed and vegetative methods. However, seed propagation is more commonly used and preferred due to its simplicity and easier maintenance.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. need to be collected from the mature fruits of the plant. The collection process must be done with care as the seeds are toxic and can be dangerous if ingested. The collected seeds can be kept in a dry and ventilated place for a few weeks to store them for propagation or can be sown right away.
For sowing the seeds, it is best to use loose and well-draining soil mixtures. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1 cm and watered sparingly for germination. They should be kept in a warm and humid environment with enough light but should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
The germination will take around 4-6 weeks after which the seedlings can be separated and transplanted to larger containers. The young plants should be kept in a shaded area with good air circulation and gradually exposed to sunlight.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done by stem cuttings or layering. The stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant and should have at least two nodes, and the leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting hormone solution and then planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be kept in a humid and warm environment until they establish roots.
In layering, a part of the stem of a healthy plant is buried in the soil, leaving the tip exposed. Roots will develop from the buried stem, and once the roots are established, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transferred to a new container.
Both methods of vegetative propagation should be done during the growing period when the plant is actively growing, preferably in spring or early summer.
Disease Management
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. is known to be susceptible to a range of soil-borne diseases such as root rot and wilt caused by different fungi species. The best way to manage these diseases is by cultural practices, including using disease-free planting material, crop rotation, and soil sterilization. Additionally, avoiding waterlogging and excess irrigation can improve soil drainage, reducing the likelihood of soil-borne diseases.
Fungicides can also be used to manage soil-borne diseases. However, they should be used in conjunction with cultural practices to increase effectiveness while minimizing adverse environmental impact. Fungicides containing chemical compounds such as carbendazim, azoxystrobin, and mancozeb have shown promising results in controlling root rot and wilt in other crop species and could be tested on Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr.
Pest Management
Strychnos ndengensis Pellegr. is prone to attacks by several insect pests, including stem borers, mealybugs, and aphids. These pests can cause significant damage, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and even death of the plant. One way to manage these pests is by practicing good garden hygiene, such as removing fallen leaves and pruning infected plant parts. This practice can limit pest populations while preventing diseases from spreading.
Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced into the garden to control pest populations. Additionally, insecticides containing active ingredients such as pyrethroids, organophosphates, and neonicotinoids can be used. However, they should be used strictly following the product label's instructions, as they can harm beneficial insects and contaminate soil and water sources if misused. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices that combine cultural, biological, and chemical control methods are effective in managing pest infestations while minimizing environmental impact.
