Overview
Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn. is a climbing shrub belonging to the Strychnos genus of the Loganiaceae family. It is commonly known as the Climbing Poison Rope or Poison Rooiwortel due to its toxic properties. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, and Kenya.
Appearance
Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn. has a woody stem that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The stem is slender, flexible, and climbs using tendrils that come out from the branches. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a glossy green color. They are round-shaped with pointed tips and have a smooth texture. The plant produces small yellow-green flowers that grow in clusters and bloom from May to July. The fruits are globular, up to 5 cm in diameter, and contain many seeds. They have a fleshy texture and turn yellowish-brown when ripe.
Uses
The plant is known for its toxic properties due to the presence of the alkaloid strychnine in its seeds and roots. While it can be dangerous to humans and animals, some indigenous African communities use the plant for its medicinal properties. The roots and leaves are used to treat fever, malaria, and pain. The plant extract is also used to control pests and insects in crops. Additionally, the flexible stem of Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn. is suitable for making ropes and baskets.
Overall, while Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn. has toxic properties, it has some practical applications in indigenous African communities, particularly in traditional medicine.
Light Requirements
Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn. is a tropical plant that requires high levels of light to thrive. The plant does well in areas that receive direct sunlight for at least 4-6 hours per day. It is recommended to place the plant in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day when the sun's rays can be intense. Insufficient light can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn. prefers warm temperatures between 60°F and 90°F (15°C and 32°C). The plant does not tolerate frost or temperatures below 50°F (10°C), and exposure to cold temperatures can cause damage or even death. To avoid temperature stress, it is best to keep the plant in a warm location, with stable temperatures that do not oscillate too much.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn. grows best in well-drained soils with good organic matter content. The plant prefers soils with a pH range of about 6-7.5. It is important to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause root rot and other diseases. Good quality potting soil that contains perlite, vermiculite, and organic matter can be used to provide the ideal soil environment for Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn..
Cultivation methods
Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn. is a tropical climbing shrub that requires a warm and humid environment for optimal growth. It can be grown either in pots or directly in the ground. If grown in pots, make sure to use well-draining soil and provide support for the plant to climb.
In the ground, the plant should be grown in fertile soil with good drainage and full sun or partial shade. The plant can grow up to 30ft tall, so it's important to provide ample space for the plant to climb and spread.
Watering needs
Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn. prefers moist soil but should not be overwatered as it may lead to root rot. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between watering, and water deeply until the excess water drains out of the drainage holes. In dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season, starting in spring and ending in early fall. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Slow-release fertilizers can also be used to ensure a steady supply of nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
To encourage bushier growth, prune the tips of the stems regularly. This will also help to control the plant's size. Pruning should be done during the dormant season in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased stems to promote healthy growth.
When pruning, use sterilized tools to prevent the spread of diseases. The plant can also be shaped by training the stems to grow in the desired direction and removing any unwanted growth.
Propagation methods for Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn.
Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as the Climbing milkweed or Peregrina, belongs to the family Loganiaceae. This plant can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Sexual Propagation
The Climbing milkweed can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil mixed with sand or perlite to improve soil quality. The seeds should be covered lightly with the mixture of soil and kept moist until germination.
The ideal temperature required for the germination of seeds is between 25-30°C. The seeds may take a few weeks to germinate.
One important thing to note is that the Climbing milkweed has a hard, impermeable seed coat that may need to be scarified before sowing. Scarification can be done by nicking the seed coat or by rubbing the seed lightly with sandpaper.
Asexual propagation
The Climbing milkweed can also be propagated through vegetative means such as stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut it into sections, with each section having a few nodes. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a mixture of perlite and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a warm and humid environment, with bright, indirect light. Within a few weeks, the cuttings will develop roots and can be transplanted into individual pots.
The Climbing milkweed can also be propagated through layering. Select a healthy, low-lying branch and bend it towards the soil. Cover the section with soil, and keep it moist. In a few weeks, new roots will develop from the covered section. Cut the new rooted plant from the mother plant and transplant it into individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn.
Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as the Climbing Poison Rope, is a tropical plant that is grown both for ornamental and medicinal purposes. However, like other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that affect its growth and yield. Effective management of these diseases and pests is essential to ensure that the plant thrives and yields its intended benefits.
Common Diseases
The following are some of the common diseases that affect Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing the formation of circular or irregular spots. The spots may be surrounded by a yellow halo, and the affected leaves may eventually drop off.
The management of leaf spot involves the removal and destruction of the infected leaves, especially during the wet season when the disease is prevalent. The use of fungicides can also help control the disease, but it is best to consult with a professional for proper advice on the best fungicide to use.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects the stem, leaves, and fruits of the plant, causing the formation of sunken lesions. The infected parts of the plant may eventually die off.
Control measures for anthracnose include pruning of affected parts of the plant, use of fungicides, and proper sanitation practices. The use of resistant cultivars may also help prevent the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant, causing the formation of a powdery coating. The affected parts of the plant may become stunted and distorted, and in severe cases, the plant may lose its leaves.
To manage powdery mildew, affected parts of the plant should be removed and destroyed. The use of fungicides can also help control the spread of the disease, but it is advisable to consult with a professional for proper advice on the best fungicide to use.
Common Pests
The following are some of the common pests that affect Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn:
Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that extract sap from the plant, causing curling and distortion of the leaves. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold.
To manage aphids, natural predators such as ladybugs can be introduced into the environment. The use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control the spread of the pests.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing discoloration and drying of the leaves. They are a common problem during dry seasons.
The use of a strong jet of water can help dislodge the mites from the leaves. Alternatively, the use of acaricides can help control their spread, but it is best to consult with a professional for proper advice on the best acaricide to use.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies and can cause damage to the leaves and fruits of the plant. They may also bore into the stems, causing stunting of the plant.
Handpicking the caterpillars and releasing natural predators such as birds and beneficial insects can help control their spread. Alternatively, the use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can help control caterpillars without harming beneficial insects.
Effective management of diseases and pests is crucial to the growth and yield of Strychnos scandens Schumach. & Thonn. Adoption of proper sanitation practices such as removal and destruction of infected parts of the plant and good cultural practices such as proper irrigation and fertilization can also help prevent the incidence and spread of diseases and pests.
