Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr.
Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. is an evergreen tree species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae, found in Gabon, Cameroon, and the Congo Basin. It is commonly known as "Ngounie Strychnos" or "Ogwiswi" by the local people.
Uses
The bark of Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. is known for its medicinal properties. The bark is used to treat various illnesses such as fever, malaria, tumor growth, and other ailments. It possesses antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and pacify spasms. Additionally, it is used as an antidote against snakebites in some parts of Africa.
General Appearance
Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. is a tall tree with a height of about 20m, and its diameter can reach up to 60cm. The leaves are alternate and simple, with a length of about 6-10cm. The tree produces small flowers which are typically white in colour, and they bloom during the spring and summer months. The plant produces fruits that have a spherical or ellipsoid shape, and they change their colour from green to yellow when they ripen. The fruit is inedible, measuring around 3cm in diameter and contains hard seeds that are toxic to humans.
Light Requirements:
Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. is a plant that requires exposure to a lot of sunlight to thrive. It grows best in areas with full sun exposure throughout the day. In areas with partial shade, it may not grow as vigorously as it would in full sun.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant is native to the tropical regions of Central Africa where it grows in warm and humid conditions. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It is not frost tolerant, and exposure to freezing temperatures can be detrimental to its growth and survival.
Soil Requirements:
Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.0. The presence of clay in the soil is beneficial as it helps to retain water and nutrients. In areas where the soil is poor, adding organic matter such as compost or manure can improve soil quality and promote plant growth.
Cultivation Methods for Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr.
Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid environments. It requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to grow. To cultivate this plant successfully, you need to ensure that the soil is rich in nutrients and has a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5. It is best to plant the seeds in a greenhouse or indoor environment to control the temperature and humidity levels. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted outdoors under a sunny area while maintaining the moisture levels for optimum growth.
Watering Needs for Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr.
Proper watering is essential for the growth and survival of Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. To ensure that the plant receives adequate moisture, it is recommended that you water it once a week during the growing season. The water should reach the roots, but avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot. During the dry season, you may need to water the plant more frequently to prevent dehydration. To retain moisture and control weeds, you can apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant.
Fertilization for Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr.
For optimum growth and development, Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. requires essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The plant can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer at the start of the growing season. You can then apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the vegetative stage and a phosphorus-rich fertilizer during the flowering stage. Fertilization should be done sparingly and in moderation to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to nutrient toxicity and damage the plant.
Pruning of Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr.
Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. may require pruning to maintain its shape and size as it grows. It is essential to remove dead or damaged branches regularly to promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done sparingly and not during the flowering season. It is best to use clean and sharp pruning equipment to minimize stress on the plant. It is also essential to remove any suckers that emerge from the base of the plant to prevent nutrient competition and promote a single stem.
Propagation of Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr.
Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. propagates readily from seeds, which are usually harvested from mature fruits. The seeds can be cleaned and sown in a well-draining potting mix. They should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically takes 2-4 weeks, and it is important to keep the seedlings out of direct sunlight until they have developed several true leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
While Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. is not typically propagated through cuttings, it is possible to root stem cuttings from the plant. Select a healthy stem with several nodes and remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity and keep the cutting out of direct sunlight until it has rooted. It may take several months for the cutting to root and begin to grow.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that can be used for Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr. Select a healthy stem and make a small cut in the bark about one-third of the way through the stem. Place a small amount of rooting hormone on the wound and wrap with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure both ends with twist ties. Roots will form at the wound site, and the rooted stem can be cut from the parent plant and planted in a well-draining potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management of Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr.
Strychnos ngouniensis Pellegr., commonly known as Strychnine tree, is a medicinal plant found in African countries. Though this plant is resistant to several pests and diseases, some common issues may affect it, leading to yield loss. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf spotting: Leaf spotting is a common fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation. This disease can be managed by improving air circulation, watering the plant in the morning, and keeping foliage dry. Spraying the plant with fungicides can also help in controlling leaf spotting.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is also a fungal disease that causes wilting, leaf spots, and stem cankers leading to the death of the plant. To manage anthracnose, prune the infected branches, and leaves. Applying fungicides can also help in controlling this disease.
Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are sap-sucking pests that affect the leaves and stems of the plant, causing stunted growth, leaf yellowing, and wilting. To manage this pest, use organic pesticides or rub the pests off the plant using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Scale insects: Scale insects are also sap-sucking pests that affect the leaves, causing yellow or brown spots, leading to defoliation. To manage scale insects, use insecticides or prune infected branches and leaves.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing or bronzing of leaves, leading to defoliation. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular plant inspections and monitoring can help in detecting pests and diseases early, preventing damage and yield loss. Meanwhile, maintaining proper sanitation and hygiene practices, selecting resistant varieties, and applying organic methods of control can help to manage most of the pests and diseases.
