Description of Strychnos scheffleri Gilg
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg is a tropical tree belonging to the family Loganiaceae. It is commonly called the "poison arrow tree" or "poison rope tree" due to the toxic compounds found in its seeds and bark. The tree is native to tropical Africa and can be found in countries such as Tanzania, Congo, and Zambia.
General Appearance
The Strychnos scheffleri Gilg tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a dark grey to brownish-grey bark. The leaves are glossy, with a leathery texture, and can be up to 15 centimeters long. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, and bloom in clusters. The fruit is a round, green capsule that turns yellow or orange when ripe.
Uses
Despite its toxic properties, Strychnos scheffleri Gilg has been used traditionally for various medicinal purposes. The bark of the tree has been used to treat fever, malaria, and stomach ailments. The seeds have been used as a purgative and as a poison for hunting. The root and stem bark have also been used to extract alkaloids that have therapeutic potential in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, malaria, and epilepsy.
In addition, the wood of the Strychnos scheffleri Gilg tree is hard and durable, making it suitable for construction and furniture making. The tree is also used in traditional rituals and ceremonies, and its toxic properties make it useful for hunting and fishing.
Light Requirements
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg thrives best in moderate sunlight. It grows well when placed in an area that receives bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can harm the plant and make the leaves appear scorched and dry. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the plant away from direct sunlight and place it in a partially shaded area.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg grows best in moderate temperatures. It thrives in an environment with temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. The plant cannot withstand freezing temperatures, which may damage or kill it. Additionally, it cannot tolerate extremely hot temperatures, particularly temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is essential to keep the plant in an environment with moderate temperatures, neither too cold nor too hot.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter, with adequate nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. To prevent standing water, it is essential to use soil with proper drainage and ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes. The plant also requires constant moisture, but not overly watered as this may lead to root rot. Therefore, it is recommended to water the plant frequently, but ensure that the soil is not wet.
Cultivation
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg is a subtropical plant that requires a warm and humid climate to thrive. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, and prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Plant the seedling in a spacious container or on the ground and ensure that it gets partial to full sunlight exposure.
Watering Needs
To avoid waterlogging or drying out, water moderately and regularly, especially during the growing season. Water the plant at least once a week, but you can increase the frequency during hot and dry periods. Ensure that the soil is moist to touch and avoid water standing around the roots. During winter or dormancy, reduce watering to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
In spring and summer, use a balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once every three to four weeks to encourage healthy growth and flowering. To prevent overfertilization, use a diluted solution and avoid applying the fertilizer during winter dormancy.
Pruning
To keep the plant in shape and encourage new growth, prune stray stems and branches in early spring or late winter before the growing season. Trim off damaged, diseased, or yellowing leaves to enhance the plant's overall health. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid hurting the plant and causing infections. For a bushier appearance, pinch off the growing tips.
Propagation of Strychnos scheffleri Gilg
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg is a slow-growing plant and is moderately difficult to propagate. Propagation can be achieved through seed germination or through vegetative propagation methods such as stem cuttings, grafting, and air layering.
Seed Germination
Seeds of Strychnos scheffleri Gilg can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months to germinate. The seeds require specific conditions such as warm temperatures and high humidity to germinate effectively. To enhance the germination process, the seeds can be soaked in water for several hours. After soaking, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil mixtures that contain both peat moss and organic matter to improve soil moisture. The embryos of the seed are often sensitive to light, therefore, the seeds must be covered with a light layer of soil mix. Water the soil thoroughly to settle the seeds into the media, then place the pot in a warm and humid room with filtered light. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are large enough to handle.
Vegetative Propagation Methods
Vegetative propagation methods are ideal for commercial production of Strychnos scheffleri Gilg and for preserving the desirable traits of the plant. Vegetative propagation methods include stem cuttings, grafting, and air layering.
Stem Cuttings
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg can be propagated through hardwood stem cuttings. Select young and healthy branches and cut them into lengths of about 20-30 centimeters. Remove any leaves and shoots from the bottom part of the stem and apply rooting hormone to the cut surface. The stem cuttings can be then planted in a well-draining soil mixture that has high moisture content. The cuttings should be covered with a clear plastic cap or placed in a propagator to keep the soil moist, this will enhance rooting. Once significant growth and rooting occur, the cuttings can be transplanted to their final pot.
Grafting
Grafting is an effective propagation method for Strychnos scheffleri Gilg that involves joining a scion from a desirable parent plant with a rootstock of this plant. The scion and rootstock should be of similar diameter for successful grafting. After grafting, make sure that the scion is firmly established, and the rootstock is kept moist.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that enables a plant stem to produce roots while still attached to the mother plant. Make a shallow cut into the stem where roots will form, and then dust the cut with rooting hormone. Wrap a plastic bag around the area where the cut was made to retain moisture, and keep it there for several months until the roots start forming. Once there are established roots, cut the stem and plant it in a well-draining potting mix.
Disease Management
One common fungal disease affecting Strychnos scheffleri Gilg is powdery mildew. This disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to ensure proper air circulation around the plant by pruning and thinning out crowded branches. Additionally, using fungicides such as neem oil or sulfur can help manage the disease.
Bacterial blight is another disease that affects Strychnos scheffleri Gilg. This disease causes dark brown or black spots on the leaves, which eventually lead to defoliation. To manage bacterial blight, it is crucial to remove and destroy any infected plant parts. Additionally, using copper-based fungicides can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that attack Strychnos scheffleri Gilg is spider mites. These pests feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, it is essential to maintain proper moisture levels around the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the pests and their eggs.
Mealybugs are another common pest that affects Strychnos scheffleri Gilg. These pests appear as a cottony white substance on the plant's leaves and stems. They suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. In severe infestations, mealybugs can cause defoliation. To manage mealybugs, it is crucial to remove and destroy any infected plant parts and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the pests.
