Overview:
Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is commonly known as the "small-flowered strychnine tree" and is native to the African continent.
Appearance:
The Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore is a woody, erect, and evergreen tree that grows up to 25 meters in height. The bark is dark grey or blackish-brown with vertical fissures. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval in shape with a glossy texture. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and tubular with five petals that are loosely arranged in axillary cymes. The fruits are 5-10 cm long, cylindrical, and woody capsules containing numerous small seeds.
Common Names:
The Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore goes by various names including the small-flowered strychnine tree, afrormosia, and mukulungu.
Uses:
The bark and seeds of Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore contain strychnine, a poisonous alkaloid that has been historically used as a traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, wounds, and muscle spasms. However, it is important to note that strychnine is extremely toxic and can cause respiratory failure and death in high doses. The wood of this plant is highly valued for its durability and is exploited commercially for making furniture, flooring, and construction material.
Growth Conditions for Strychnos Pusilliflora
Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore, commonly known as the small-flowered poison rope, is a tropical plant native to Africa. The plant belongs to the Loganiaceae family and thrives in warm and moist environments.
Light Requirements
For optimal growth, the plant requires direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. It is also essential to protect the plant from extreme sunlight conditions, especially during the hottest parts of the day. The plant can also grow well under partially shaded environments, especially during hot or dry seasons.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to thrive, with optimal temperatures ranging from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. Lower temperatures may cause the plant to experience stunted growth or completely die. It is essential to keep the plant in a warm environment, especially during cold or winter seasons.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos pusilliflora thrives in well-draining, fertile soils with a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH ranging from 6 to 7.5. The plant does not do well in waterlogged soils, which can cause root rot and damage the plant. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, and regular fertilization can help maintain soil fertility.
Cultivation Method for Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore
Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore is a tropical evergreen tree found in Central, East and Southern Africa. It is a low maintenance plant that is relatively easy to grow, and it can adapt to different soil types as long as it is well-drained. The plant requires full sun with good air circulation to thrive. It can also grow well in partial shade, but full shade may affect its growth rate.
Watering Needs for Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore
Watering should be done regularly, especially during hot and dry climates. However, avoid over-watering as it may lead to root rot and other water-borne diseases. Moist soil is preferable, but ensure the soil is dry between watering to avoid waterlogging. During the cooler months, reduce watering and only water when necessary.
Fertilization for Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore
Fertilization should be done during the growing season, spring and summer. Apply a balanced fertilizer, for example, 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, once a month. The amount applied should be in moderation as excess fertilizer can cause leaf scorching, stunted growth, and even death of the plant. For the best results, follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.
Pruning Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore
Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore produces a dense canopy with branches that spread horizontally. Prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape and limit its height. However, avoid drastic pruning, especially on the main trunk, as it may affect the plant's vigor. Pruning can be done during the winter months when the plant is dormant, or in the early spring before the leaves sprout. Ensure you use clean and sharp tools to avoid the spread of infections.
Propagation of Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore
Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore can be propagated through various techniques. The most common methods include seed propagation, stem cuttings propagation, and grafting propagation.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Strychnos pusilliflora is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected when they are mature, dried, and stored in dry airtight containers until they are ready to be planted. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for about 24 hours to soften their hard seed coat. The softened seeds can then be sown in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil or sand. The planting site should have enough sunlight and water for the seeds to germinate.
Stem Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation technique for Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore is stem cuttings propagation. The stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant during the active growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 centimeters long and have 2-3 nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone for better rooting and planted in well-draining soil. They should be thoroughly watered and placed in a location with indirect light. With time, the cuttings will eventually form roots and develop into a full plant.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting propagation is a more advanced propagation method that involves attaching a stem cutting from a desired plant onto a rootstock from a different plant. This method is useful for propagating plants that are difficult to root or are vulnerable to diseases. The stem cutting should be taken from a healthy and vigorous plant, while the rootstock should be carefully selected for its compatibility with the cutting. The two parts are joined together by grafting, and the plant is allowed to grow until it is mature enough to be transplanted into the ground.
Disease Management
Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore is relatively resistant to diseases, but in some cases fungal or bacterial infections can occur. One of the most common fungal diseases is leaf spot, which can cause brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. In more severe cases, fungicides can be used.
Another potential disease is root rot, which is caused by waterlogged soil and can lead to the death of the plant. To prevent root rot, it is important to ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering. If root rot is detected, the affected plant should be removed and the soil should be treated with a fungicide before planting a new plant.
Pest Management
Strychnos pusilliflora S.Moore is also relatively resistant to pests. However, some chewing insects may occasionally attack the plant, such as caterpillars and grasshoppers. Handpicking the insects or using natural predators such as birds or beneficial insects can help to manage the pest population.
Another potential pest is the mealybug, which is small, white, and can be found in clusters on the plant. Mealybugs feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, it is recommended to remove the affected parts of the plant and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to the plant.
