Overview of Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst.
Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst. is a plant species belonging to the family Loganiaceae. It is also known by its common names, including "thorn apple" and "poison nut." This plant is native to East Africa, particularly in countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Appearance of Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst.
Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst. is a shrub or small tree that can reach about 6 to 9 meters tall. It has an upright and spreading habit, with many branches and a dense crown. The leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and have a leathery texture that can grow up to 14 cm long and 7 cm wide. It bears small, white, and fragrant flowers, which develop into round fruits that are roughly 5 cm in diameter, with a hard shell and hooked spines.
Uses of Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst.
Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst. is commonly used in traditional medicine for different ailments. The plant parts such as root bark, stem bark, and seeds contain alkaloids such as strychnine and brucine, which have medicinal properties. The plant is used to relieve pain, treat respiratory and digestive disorders, reduce fever, and as a powerful antidote for snakebites. The plant is also used to make arrows and fishing poisons and as a pesticide to protect stored grains.
However, it is important to note that the plant's contents are highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested in significant amounts. Only trained and experienced herbalists and medical practitioners should handle the plant.
Conclusion
Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst. is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. However, its toxic nature means that it should not be taken lightly or used without proper guidance and supervision. Nevertheless, it remains a fascinating plant with a rich cultural and medicinal heritage that deserves to be appreciated and studied further.
Light Requirements
Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst. prefers to grow in areas with dappled sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate full sun exposure in the morning or late afternoon, but it may wilt during the hottest part of the day. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in areas with moderate or filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 10°C to 35°C. However, it will not survive in areas with frost or freezing temperatures. Moreover, sudden temperature drops or high fluctuation may affect its growth and health. Therefore, it is best to avoid areas with extreme weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst. prefers to grow in well-draining soil that is humus-rich, slightly acidic, and has a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It can tolerate a variety of soil textures, including sandy, loam, and clay soils. However, it does not grow well in waterlogged or compacted soils.
It is recommended to mix the soil with compost or organic matter to improve fertility, aerate the soil, and enhance water retention. Additionally, adding a layer of mulch around the plant can prevent soil erosion, maintain soil moisture, and suppress weeds.
Cultivation methods
The plant Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst. is native to East Africa and requires a warm and humid climate to grow. It can thrive in a range of soil types, from sandy loam to clay loam. The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can be propagated through both seeds and stem cuttings. For propagation through stem cuttings, it is best to take cuttings from mature plants during the rainy season.
Watering needs
The plant Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst. prefers moist soil, but overwatering can lead to root rot. In regions with a dry climate, it is necessary to water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not soaked. If the soil feels too dry to the touch, the plant needs watering. It is best to water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
The plant Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst. responds well to organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure. Fertilize the plant every two to three months during the growing season, which typically starts in the rainy season. During the dry season, reduce the frequency of fertilization to once every three to four months. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to nutrient burn and damage the plant.
Pruning
The plant Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst. requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant during the rainy season to encourage new growth. Remove dead and damaged branches, as well as any branches that are in contact with the soil. Prune the plant's outer branches to maintain its shape and promote bushiness. Avoid over-pruning, which can weaken the plant and reduce its productivity.
Propagation of Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst.
Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst. is a shrub that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is commonly found growing in the savannas, bushlands, and rocky areas of Africa. The plant is characterized by its yellowish-green flowers, oval-shaped leaves, and woody stems. Propagation of Strychnos oblongifolia can be done either by seed or vegetatively.
Propagation by seed
The first step in propagating Strychnos oblongifolia by seed is collecting the ripe seeds from the plant. These seeds are then washed and dried before being stored in a cool and dry location until the time of sowing. Before sowing, the seeds are scarified to enhance germination. Scarification can be achieved by filing the seed coat or soaking the seeds in hot water for several hours.
The seeds are then sown in a well-draining nursery bed or container filled with a mixture of fertile soil and sand. The seeds are lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes between 3 and 5 weeks. The seedlings are transplanted to individual pots after they have developed several leaves and are established enough to handle.
Propagation vegetatively
Propagation of Strychnos oblongifolia can also be done through vegetative means such as stem cuttings and layering. Stem cuttings are taken from the parent plant during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. The cuttings are about 10-15 cm long and are taken from healthy and disease-free stems.
The cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development and are planted in a well-draining rooting medium such as sand or perlite. The cuttings are covered with plastic or a propagating dome to maintain humidity levels until roots have formed. The rooted cuttings are transplanted to individual pots after several weeks.
Layering is another vegetative propagation method that involves bending a low-growing stem of the parent plant and covering it with soil or other suitable rooting medium while leaving a shoot tip exposed. Within a few months, roots will develop at the bend and the new plant can be severed from the parent.
Disease Management for Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst.
Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst., commonly known as the African marula or African orange, is a hardy and adaptable plant that can resist many diseases. However, it is still susceptible to some diseases, such as:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, defoliation, and twig dieback. Anthracnose can be managed by pruning infected branches and applying fungicides.
- Rust: This fungal disease presents as small yellow or orange spots on the leaves and can cause defoliation and stunted growth. Rust can be managed with fungicides, pruning, and crop rotation.
- Root rot: This soil-borne fungal disease causes the plant's roots to rot, leading to wilting and death. To prevent root rot, it is essential to plant in well-draining soils and monitor watering to avoid excess moisture.
Pest Management for Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst.
Strychnos oblongifolia Hochst. can also fall prey to several pests. Some of these pests are:
- Aphids: These pests can cause leaf curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. Aphids can be controlled through cultural practices such as handpicking, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These small, white, cotton-like pests can infest the plant's foliage, causing yellowing and curling-living a sticky residue. Mealybugs can be controlled by pruning, washing affected areas, or applying insecticides.
- Termites: These pests can cause significant damage to the plant's bark and wood. Termites can be managed by applying insecticides, using termite-resistant mulch, and keeping the plant healthy and vigorous.
