Overview: Strychnos procera Gilg & Busse
Strychnos procera Gilg & Busse, also known as the Bitterbush or the Malemba tree, is a plant species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. This tree species is native to tropical Africa, found particularly in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. It is widely known for its medicinal properties and has been used traditionally in African medicine for many years.
Appearance:
The Strychnos procera plant is a medium to large-sized tree, growing up to a height of 20 meters. It has a dark, deeply fissured bark with distinctive off-white or yellowish blotches that make it easy to identify in the wild. The tree's leaves are shiny, dark green and leathery with a length of about 10 to 20 cm and width spanning between 5 to 10cm. They are oblong-shaped, with a pointed tip and generally grow in an alternate arrangement. The bark, leaves and roots of the plant contain a milky sap, giving it a unique appearance.
Medicinal Uses:
The Strychnos procera plant is a valuable source of traditional medicine, and its extracts have been used to treat numerous ailments in Africa. The bitter constituents in the plant are responsible for most of its therapeutic properties, which include treatment for fever, malaria, ulcers, constipation, and joint pains. The plant has also been used to treat diabetes, convulsions, and dysentery. In traditional medicine, the milky sap obtained from the bark or roots of the plant is applied externally to treat wounds and skin infections.
Cultural Significance:
The Strychnos procera plant holds a significant place in African culture, particularly in the Eastern and Southern parts of the continent. The plant is considered sacred by the Maasai tribe of Kenya, who use it for medicinal and spiritual purposes. The tree is said to have protective qualities and is planted near homesteads to ward off evil spirits and wild animals. The extracted sap from the plant is used in various traditional rituals and ceremonies by the Maasai people.
Conclusion:
The Strychnos procera plant is an important and valuable tree species with a rich cultural history and profound medicinal uses. Although it is well-known in Africa, its potential value remains largely untapped in other parts of the world. The plant's unique appearance and cultural significance make it a fascinating species for botanists and researchers alike.
Light Requirements
Strychnos procera requires full exposure to sunlight for healthy growth. It is commonly found in open savannah and woodland habitats, where the plant is not shaded by the neighboring vegetation. This plant can tolerate short periods of shade, but prolonged shade can negatively affect its growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm climate and does well in a temperature range of 18-35°C (65-95°F). Frost and cold temperatures can damage the plant and stunt its growth. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is 20-30°C (68-86°F).
Soil Requirements
Strychnos procera can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils, but a soil pH range of 6.5-7.5 is ideal. The plant is sensitive to waterlogging and poorly drained soils, which can cause root rot and stunt its growth. The plant can also tolerate sandy and loamy soils and is commonly found growing on rocky soils.
Cultivation methods for Strychnos procera Gilg & Busse
Strychnos procera Gilg & Busse, commonly known as the poison arrow tree, is a tropical plant that grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C with high humidity. The plant also prefers well-drained soils, rich in organic materials, and a pH value between 6.0 and 6.5.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. For seeds, scarify the seeds' coat to reduce the hardness and allow for faster germination. When planting, cover the seeds lightly with soil, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. For stem cuttings, harvest young tender stems from the plant and plant them in sandy soil mixed with other organic materials.
Watering needs for Strychnos procera Gilg & Busse
Strychnos procera Gilg & Busse requires regular watering to thrive. The plant needs a steady supply of water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. When irrigating the plant, it's advisable to do it in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler to avoid water stress.
During the dry season, increase the frequency of irrigation to maintain the moisture level in the soil. However, the plant can withstand short periods of water scarcity without withering.
Fertilization for Strychnos procera Gilg & Busse
For optimal growth and development, Strychnos procera Gilg & Busse requires regular fertilization. Using organic fertilizers, such as manure, compost, or bone meal, is recommended, as it enriches the soil's nutrient content.
Apply the fertilizer at the onset of the rainy season, which is when the plant is active, and you can spread it evenly around the plant's base. You can also use liquid fertilizers, but be sure to dilute them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning for Strychnos procera Gilg & Busse
Pruning is critical for maintaining the shape and size of the plant, promoting growth, and preventing the spread of diseases and pests. This plant requires minimal pruning since it naturally takes a tree-like form.
However, it's essential to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to prevent the spread of diseases and promote healthier growth. Prune during the plant's dormant season or immediately after flowering, taking care not to over-prune the plant.
Propagation of Strychnos procera
Strychnos procera is a semi-deciduous tree that is native to tropical Africa. Propagation is an important aspect of plant cultivation, and there are several methods that can be used to propagate this plant. The following are some of the common propagation methods used for Strychnos procera.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Strychnos procera can be done through seeds, and this is the most common method used. The seeds are collected from the fruit, which is an oval-shaped capsule. The capsule usually splits open to release the seeds when it is mature. The seeds should be cleaned and sown in a mixture of loam and sand, and then covered with a layer of clear plastic sheeting to maintain humidity and warmth. Germination usually occurs within 4 to 6 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted once they are six months old.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Strychnos procera can also be done through cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from the semi-hardwood of the plant during the rainy season. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of sand and soil, and then covered with a plastic sheeting until roots are formed. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent locations.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating Strychnos procera. This method involves the creation of a small wound on the stem, which is then wrapped with a damp moss and covered with clear plastic sheeting. Roots will develop at the wound site in about 2 to 3 months. Once the roots are well-developed, the new plant can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease Management
Strychnos procera is susceptible to various diseases that affect its growth and productivity. The most common diseases that may affect this shrub include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
Powdery mildew is identified by the appearance of white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage the disease, you can prune affected leaves and stems and dispose of them properly. You can also apply fungicides that contain sulfur, neem oil, or potassium bicarbonate to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf spot is characterized by the appearance of yellow or brown spots on leaves. The spots may enlarge and cause premature defoliation of the plant. To manage the disease, remove affected leaves and stems and dispose of them properly. You can also apply copper-based fungicides to prevent the disease from spreading.
Root rot is caused by fungal pathogens that infect the roots, causing them to decay. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage the disease, avoid overwatering the plant and improve drainage in the soil. You can also apply fungicides that contain Thiophanate-methyl or Propamocarb hydrochloride to inhibit the growth of the fungus.
Pest Management
Strychnos procera is also susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common pests that may affect the plant include aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.
Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage the pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to suffocate and kill the aphids. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the pest population.
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellow mottling and webbing. To manage the pests, you can spray the plant with water to remove the mites physically. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the pests.
Scale insects are identified by the appearance of bumps on the stem and leaves of the plant. The pests feed on sap and cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To manage the pests, you can prune affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. You can also apply horticultural oil to suffocate the pests and prevent their spread.
