Overview:
Strychnos reticulata Burtt Davy & Honoré is a small evergreen tree that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. This plant is widely grown in many areas of Africa and is also known by several common names like “green monkey orange,” “bitter orange,” and “monkey orange.”Appearance:
This plant has an oval or round-shaped fruit that grows on its branches. This fruit is similar in appearance to an orange but is only about 5-8 cm in diameter. The fruit’s skin is green when unripe, and as it ripens, it turns yellow or pale orange. The inside of the fruit has a hard outer shell that protects the seeds, which are surrounded by a white, juicy pulp.Uses:
Strychnos reticulata is used for a variety of purposes. The fruit pulp is edible and harvested for local consumption, with the ripe fruit being consumed raw or used as a flavoring agent in drinks. The seeds of this plant are used in traditional African medicine for various ailments, including stomachaches, fever, and headaches. However, it is essential to note that the seeds contain strychnine, which can be toxic in high doses. In addition to its medicinal properties, Strychnos reticulata is commonly used as a garden plant to provide shade and ornamental value. The wood of the plant is also used in construction and for making furniture.Conclusion:
Strychnos reticulata is a small evergreen tree grown mainly in Africa, with an oval or round-shaped fruit similar in appearance to an orange, but with a hard outer shell surrounding the seeds. The fruit pulp is edible, whereas the seeds are used for medicinal purposes. The plant is also commonly used as a shade provider and ornamental value in gardens, and its wood is used in construction and furniture making.Growth Conditions for Strychnos Reticulata Burtt Davy & Honoré
Strychnos reticulata Burtt Davy & Honoré, commonly known as the netted monkey orange, is a small to medium-sized tree belonging to the Loganiaceae family. This plant species is native to Southern Africa and is known for its ornamental value, fruits, and medicinal properties.
Light
The plant Strychnos reticulata requires full sunlight for optimal growth. However, it can tolerate partial shade under certain conditions. Generally, the plant should receive a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day to grow vigorously.
Temperature
The plant thrives in warm to hot climates, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 26°C to 40°C (78°F to 104°F). It can tolerate some cold stress in winter, but the temperatures should not fall below 15°C (59°F) for extended periods.
Soil Requirements
The Strychnos reticulata plant grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. This plant is adaptable to different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to maintain optimal growth.
In summary, the Strychnos reticulata plant requires full sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-drained soils with adequate moisture for optimal growth. By providing these conditions, you can ensure that this plant grows vigorously, producing the desired fruits, ornamental value, and medicinal properties.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos reticulata is a tropical tree that is best grown in warm, humid environments. It thrives in areas with a consistent temperature between 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. The plant prefers well-draining, loamy soils rich in organic matter. When planted, ensure the soil is well-prepared and free from weeds, pests, and diseases.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is an essential requirement for the growth of Strychnos reticulata. As a tropical plant, it requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week in dry weather. Reduce watering frequency during winter or rainy seasons when the soil is likely to be moist.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to support healthy growth and enhance fruit production. Apply a balanced fertilizer with adequate nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus every three months. Nitrogen is vital in promoting vegetative growth, while potassium and phosphorus enhance fruit production. Avoid applying excess fertilizer, which can cause burning to the plant.
Pruning
Strychnos reticulata requires minimal pruning, primarily to maintain its size and shape. Prune annually during the dormant season to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Training the plant into a single trunk is preferred for young plants. Avoid pruning during the flowering and fruiting seasons as it can affect fruit production.
Propagation of Strychnos reticulata Burtt Davy & Honoré
Strychnos reticulata Burtt Davy & Honoré is commonly known as "Mohokare" or "Umkhanyakude." This plant can be propagated through various methods that we will discuss below.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Strychnos reticulata is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits and cleaned properly before sowing. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination. It is essential to maintain a constant temperature of around 25°C to promote successful germination. The seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots after they have developed their first true leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Strychnos reticulata can also be propagated by stem cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from a healthy mother plant and dipping them in a rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until new growth is observed.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method for Strychnos reticulata. This method involves making a small cut below a node on a healthy stem, applying rooting hormone, and then wrapping the cut area with sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. The moss should be kept moist until roots have developed from the cut area. Once roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted into a new pot.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is also a viable method of propagating Strychnos reticulata. The process involves joining a piece of the desired plant (scion) to the rootstock of another plant. This method allows for the propagation of cultivars that may not be able to produce seeds or have inferior root systems.
Propagation of Strychnos reticulata through any of these methods requires patience and persistence, but the end result is a beautiful and healthy plant with great ornamental or medicinal value.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos Reticulata Burtt Davy & Honoré
Strychnos reticulata Burtt Davy & Honoré, commonly known as the monkey orange plant, belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is known for its edible fruit that has a corrugated outer skin, similar to that of a brain. The plant is not immune to diseases and pests and can be affected by various factors, leading to yield loss or even death. It is essential to keep the plant healthy and free of diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that could affect Strychnos reticulata is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To prevent powdery mildew, it is essential to make sure the plant is well-ventilated and not crowded. If the disease has already affected the plant, applying a fungicide could control the growth of the fungus.
Another disease is root rot, which is caused by a fungus called Phytophthora. Root rot affects the roots of the plants, causing them to become soft and eventually rot. Proper drainage and avoiding overwatering can prevent root rot. Once the disease has infected the plant, the best step is to remove the plant and change the soil.
Common Pests
The most common pests that attack Strychnos reticulata are aphids. Aphids are crawling insects that usually attack the leaves and flowers of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant's tissue and cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To get rid of aphids, it is essential to first prune affected parts of the plant and then apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the remaining parts.
Another pest that could attack Strychnos reticulata is the citrus psyllid. This insect causes damage by sucking the sap from the leaves, causing them to become curled and distorted. The citrus psyllid also vectors a harmful bacterial disease called Huanglongbing or citrus greening disease which is responsible for killing millions of citrus trees worldwide. To control the pest, it is essential to prune the affected parts and apply insecticides that include Imidacloprid or horticultural oil.
Conclusion
It is essential to regularly inspect and monitor Strychnos reticulata for any signs of disease or pest damage. As always, prevention is better than cure, so it is vital to keep the plant healthy by providing the correct environment, monitoring irrigation, and avoiding over-fertilization. In case of disease infestation, prompt action is necessary to control the spread of the pathogen. Additionally, prompt and accurate identification of any pests is necessary to implement appropriate pest management strategies.
