Overview
Strychnos quaqua Gilg, commonly known as Tungule, is a medicinal plant species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is a small shrub, endemic to Africa, and it can be found in countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo Brazzaville.
Appearance
Tungule is a small shrub that can grow up to 2-4m in height. The plant has a smooth, greyish-brown bark and twigs that are angled and hairless. Its leaves are ovate or elliptic, simple, and arranged opposite each other on the stem. They are usually 4-11 cm in length and 2-6 cm in width. The plant produces small, white flowers that are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by bees and butterflies.
Uses
The plant contains several bioactive compounds, including strychnine, which is a toxic alkaloid. However, despite this, the plant has numerous medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. Its bark, roots, and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as fever, asthma, headaches, jaundice, and pain. The roots and bark of the plant are also used as an antidote for snakebites. Apart from its medicinal uses, the plant is also used as a source of fuel for cooking and for making charcoal.
Common Names
Tungule is commonly known by different names, depending on the region. In Cameroon, it is known as "Kamngwieng" or "Mangbieng." In Gabon, it is called "Mangouala" or "Soulou." In Congo Brazzaville, it is known as "Efouara" or "Ouikoubou."
Light requirements
Strychnos quaqua Gilg requires bright, indirect light to grow healthily, although it may tolerate some periods of direct sunlight.
Temperature requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 18 to 28°C. Cold temperatures below 15°C can negatively affect its growth rate, and it is intolerant of frost.
Soil requirements
Strychnos quaqua Gilg grows best in well-draining, fertile soil. The soil should be loamy and rich in organic matter to ensure proper growth. It requires a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods for Strychnos quaqua Gilg
Strychnos quaqua Gilg is a tropical plant that thrives in warm climates with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. It requires well-draining soil and partial shade to grow well. The best planting season is from April to September. The plant grows well in sandy, loamy, and gravelly soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. Ensure that the soil is moist before planting, and space the plants 3-6 meters apart.
Watering Needs for Strychnos quaqua Gilg
Strychnos quaqua Gilg requires moderate watering during the dry season. The plant should be watered twice a week; however, the frequency depends on the weather conditions. During the rainy season, the plant does not require additional watering as it gets enough water from the rain. Overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Strychnos quaqua Gilg
Strychnos quaqua Gilg requires regular fertilization to grow healthy and produce flowers and fruits. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10:10:10 should be applied every three months. Organic manure can also be used to replenish the soil nutrients. The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the plant and watered immediately.
Pruning of Strychnos quaqua Gilg
Strychnos quaqua Gilg does not require pruning, but it can be done to shape the plant and remove damaged branches. Pruning is best done during the dry season to avoid the spread of diseases. Only the diseased, damaged, and crossing branches should be removed. The pruning tools should be cleaned before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Strychnos quaqu
Strychnos quaqua, commonly known as the "knock-knee" tree, is a tree species native to the African continent. It belongs to the family Loganiaceae and is known for its medicinal properties. The tree can be propagated using several methods, which include:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Strychnos quaqua. The tree produces seeds that can be collected once they are mature. The seeds need to be soaked in water for several hours before planting to aid germination. The seedlings need to be planted in well-draining soil and should be watered regularly. The seedlings can take up to two years to reach maturity.
Cuttings propagation
Strychnos quaqua can also be propagated using cuttings. The cuttings need to be taken from mature trees and should be at least 15 cm long. The cuttings need to be planted in a mixture of sand and compost and should be kept moist. The cuttings should be placed in a shaded area to prevent them from drying out. The cuttings can take up to six months to root and should be transplanted once they have developed a good root system.
Layering propagation
Another method of propagating Strychnos quaqua is layering. This method involves bending a low-lying branch to the ground and covering it with soil. The branch should be wounded and treated with rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The branch should be kept moist, and once roots have developed, the branch can be cut off from the parent tree and transplanted to a suitable location.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is a less common method of propagating Strychnos quaqua. It involves taking a cutting from a mature tree and grafting it onto a young rootstock. The cutting should be taken from the desired cultivar, and the rootstock should be a compatible species. The graft should be kept moist and warm to encourage root growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos quaqua Gilg
Strychnos quaqua Gilg is a tropical tree that produces highly valued hardwood. However, its growth and productivity can be hindered by various diseases and pests. Thus, it is important to implement effective management strategies to minimize their impact.
Common Diseases
One of the major diseases that can affect S. quaqua is anthracnose, which is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This disease manifests as leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts, and apply fungicides that contain copper or mancozeb.
Another disease that can damage S. quaqua is powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Oidium sp. This disease appears as a white powdery growth on leaves, stems, and flowers. To prevent and manage powdery mildew, it is advisable to maintain good air circulation around the plant, and apply fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil.
Common Pests
S. quaqua is also susceptible to insect pests, and one of the most destructive is the shoot borer (Hypsipyla robusta). This pest causes damage to the growing tips of young trees, resulting in malformed and stunted stems. To control shoot borers, several methods can be used such as spraying the plant with insecticides that contain cypermethrin, carbaryl, or malathion, and pruning infested branches.
The mealybug (Planococcus citri) is another common insect pest that feeds on S. quaqua's sap, resulting in yellowing and wilting of leaves. The pest excretes a sugary substance that attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth. To manage mealybugs, one can apply insecticides such as imidacloprid or spinosad, and encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Conclusion
S. quaqua is a valuable tree that can be affected by various diseases and pests. However, with proper management, these problems can be minimized or prevented altogether. It is important to implement strategies that are effective and safe for the environment and human health.
