Overview
Strychnos quadrangularis Mildbr. is a plant species that belongs to the family of plants known as Loganiaceae. This plant is native to the tropics of Africa and Asia, where it grows naturally in the savanna regions.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by a number of names such as the corky-stemmed combretum, Corky Combretum, Corky-stemmed Combretum, Stranglehold, and Snake Bean.
Appearance
Strychnos quadrangularis Mildbr. is a tree or shrub that can grow up to 30 feet in height. The plant has a corky stem and branches that have four distinct sides. The leaves are elliptic or oblong and leathery, measuring up to 15 cm in length and 7.5 cm in width. The plant also produces small white flowers that are fragrant but not showy. The fruit of the plant is a pendulous inflated capsule that is up to 15 cm in length. The fruit is usually shiny and brownish-black when mature and contains numerous seeds.
Uses
Strychnos quadrangularis Mildbr. has a range of uses. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, heart disease, and snakebite. The bark of the plant is rich in alkaloids such as strychnine and brucine, which are known for their toxic properties. However, these alkaloids have been used in small doses as a tonic for digestion and appetite. The leaves of the plant can be used as fodder for livestock, and the plant can also be used for soil conservation and erosion control.
Growth Conditions of Strychnos quadrangularis Mildbr.
Strychnos quadrangularis Mildbr. is a tropical plant species that is native to Africa. As such, it thrives in warm, humid environments and requires specific growth conditions to grow optimally. Below are the typical growth conditions required for S. quadrangularis:
Light Requirements:
S. quadrangularis requires bright, indirect sunlight to grow. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 20-30°C, but can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C. It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, but excessive exposure can damage its leaves. Therefore, it is best to grow it in an area that receives bright and indirect sunlight.
Soil Requirements:
The plant grows best in well-draining soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5. The soil should contain a high percentage of organic matter and be well-aerated to allow for good root growth. S. quadrangularis is highly sensitive to water-logging, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining, and excess water does not accumulate.
Water Requirements:
S. quadrangularis requires moderate watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause stress to the plant. Watering should be done only when the topsoil is dry to the touch. In addition, it is essential to avoid wetting the foliage when watering as it can lead to fungal infections.
Fertilizer Requirements:
S. quadrangularis requires regular fertilization to grow optimally. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) ratio of 10:10:10 is ideal. Fertilizing should be done every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer), and once a month during the dormancy period (fall and winter).
Providing these growth conditions will ensure that S. quadrangularis grows optimally and produces beautiful foliage and flowers.
Cultivation methods
Strychnos quadrangularis, commonly known as the Snake Wood, is a small deciduous tree or a large woody climber that requires full sunlight to grow well. It can grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy to clayey, as long as it has good drainage. The optimal temperature for growth is between 20°C to 35°C, with a minimum temperature of 10°C.
Propagation methods include seed, stem cutting, or air layering. Sow the seeds in spring or early summer, directly in the ground or in a seed tray and transplant them when they reach a height of 20-25 cm. Stem cuttings are best taken in spring or early summer and should be around 15-20 cm. Air layering should be done in spring, with the layering process taking around 2-3 months to produce good roots.
Watering needs
Strychnos quadrangularis has an average water requirement. However, the plant should be watered regularly in the first two years after planting. During periods of drought, it should be watered twice a week. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The Snake Wood benefits from regular fertilization during its growing season, typically from late spring to early fall. Use a balanced fertilizer or one high in phosphorus to promote flowering. Apply the fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, at a rate of 30-40 g per plant.
Pruning
Strychnos quadrangularis usually requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove any dead or diseased branches and to maintain an attractive shape. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. The plant can also be trained as a climber by attaching its stem to a trellis or other support structure.
Propagation of Strychnos quadrangularis Mildbr.
Strychnos quadrangularis Mildbr. can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of S. quadrangularis can be directly sown during the rainy season. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24-48 hours to break their dormancy. The seeds are then sown about 2-3 cm deep in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. The seedlings will emerge in 15-20 days and can be transplanted to their permanent positions after 6-8 months.
Cutting Propagation
S. quadrangularis can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Healthy stem cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 20-25 cm long with 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting in a well-prepared rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area with high humidity to enhance rooting. The rooted cuttings can be potted or transplanted after 3-4 months.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method for S. quadrangularis. This method involves wounding the stem of the parent plant and encouraging roots to grow from the wound area. A 20-25 cm section of the stem is slit, and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound. The wound area is then covered with damp sphagnum moss and wrapped with plastic to create a humid environment. Roots should develop within 4-6 weeks, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and potted.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos quadrangularis Mildbr.
Strychnos quadrangularis Mildbr. is a tropical species commonly known as the "snake wood" or "cutch tree." Its wood and bark have many uses in traditional medicine and in the tanning industry. Keeping the plant healthy requires proper handling and management of pests and diseases that can negatively impact the tree's growth and longevity.
Common Diseases that Affect Strychnos quadrangularis
Strychnos quadrangularis is usually resistant to most diseases but can still be affected by various pathogens. One of the most common diseases is root rot caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. This disease infects the roots, causing them to rot and eventually die, leading to stunted growth and leaf yellowing. Another disease that affects this plant is canker caused by the fungus Botryodiplodia theobromae. This disease, characterized by sunken and discolored bark, can cause significant damage and even kill the plant if not controlled.
Common Pests that Affect Strychnos quadrangularis
Several pests can attack Strychnos quadrangularis, leading to reduced vigour and yield. The most common pests include bark beetles, termites, and mealybugs. Bark beetles are small insects that bore into the tree's bark, causing extensive damage. Termites, on the other hand, feed on the wood and can cause structural damage. Mealybugs, a type of scale insect, feed on the bark and foliage, causing yellowing and stunted growth.
Managing Diseases and Pests in Strychnos quadrangularis
Preventing and managing diseases and pests in Strychnos quadrangularis require both cultural and chemical control methods. Cultural methods include good sanitation practices such as pruning infected plant parts, removing debris around the tree, and reducing water stress by proper irrigation management. Chemical control methods, including the use of fungicides and insecticides, can be used to treat infected plants. However, care should be taken to follow the label instructions to avoid harming the tree and exposing humans to harmful chemicals.
In conclusion, Strychnos quadrangularis is a valuable plant that requires proper management to prevent and control disease and pest infestations. A combination of cultural and chemical control methods can be used to manage these issues effectively.
