Overview
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg, also known as Strychnos bungo, is a rare and endangered plant species in the family Loganiaceae. It is native to Central Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Common Names
The plant has various common names, depending on the language and region. In English, it is commonly referred to as Scheffler's Poison Rope or Bungo. In French, it is called Faux Ipeca, while in Swahili, it is known as Mkorokoro.
Uses
The plant is widely known for its toxic nature due to the presence of strychnine and brucine in its seeds and bark. These alkaloids are potent nerve toxins that can cause respiratory failure when ingested in significant quantities. Despite its toxicity, traditional healers in Central Africa have used Strychnos scheffleri Gilg for various medicinal purposes. For instance, the plant's bark is ground and mixed with food to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and snake bites. In some communities, the root bark is used as a purgative and an emetic to treat stomach problems and promote bowel movements. The bark extract is also used topically to treat skin infections and wounds.
Appearance
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg is a tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. Its trunk is straight, cylindrical, and up to 30 cm in diameter. The bark is grayish-brown, rough, and flaky, with irregular fissures. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate, with a smooth surface and a dark green color. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that grow in clusters and emit a strong odor. The fruit is a round, smooth, and fleshy berry that turns yellowish-orange when ripe. Each fruit contains four to eight seeds that are brownish-black, smooth, and slightly curved.
Growth conditions for Strychnos scheffleri Gilg
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg is a tropical climbing vine species that is native to tropical regions of Africa. The plant has specific growth requirements that must be met for it to thrive. Here, we will discuss the three key growth conditions, namely light, temperature, and soil.
Light
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg requires bright, indirect light for optimal growth. The plant should be placed in a location where it can receive plenty of natural light, but avoid direct sunlight as it may damage the leaves. Additionally, ensure that the plant is shielded from cold drafts, as low temperatures can also lead to stunted growth.
Temperature
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures. Ideally, the temperature range should be between 18°C to 25°C. Under no circumstances should the plant be exposed to temperatures below 10°C as this can cause damage to the leaves and stems. It is essential to maintain a consistent temperature to encourage healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
For optimal growth, Strychnos scheffleri Gilg prefers well-draining, rich, and fertile soil. The pH ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. When planting, ensure that the soil is appropriately aerated to have a well-structured root system. Ample nutrients and water are essential to keep the plant healthy and prevent drying out of leaves.
Cultivation of Strychnos scheffleri Gilg
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg is a tropical plant that grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It thrives in well-drained soils rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. To cultivate it, plant the seeds in a fertile, well-drained potting mix in a warm, shaded area and ensure the soil remains moist at all times. The plant prefers partial shade and should be protected from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Watering Needs for Strychnos scheffleri Gilg
As a tropical plant, Strychnos scheffleri Gilg requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant generously during the growing season, ensuring the water reaches the root zone. However, be careful not to overwater the plant since the roots can quickly become waterlogged, leading to root rot, which can kill the plant. During the dormant season, reduce watering to keep the soil slightly moist.
Fertilization of Strychnos scheffleri Gilg
Feed Strychnos scheffleri Gilg with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season as it requires a continuous supply of nutrients to thrive. Apply fertilizer every three months, according to the instructions on the package. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can lead to chemical burn and other growth problems. During the dormant season, reduce or stop fertilization as the plant is not actively growing.
Pruning Strychnos scheffleri Gilg
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg requires minimal pruning. However, it's crucial to remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back any leggy growth to promote bushy growth. Prune your plant during the dormant season to avoid shocking the plant and encourage new growth in the coming growing season. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent damaging the plant's stem and infecting it with diseases.
Propagation of Strychnos scheffleri Gilg
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg is a tropical plant that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. The plant is native to Africa and is commonly known as the blue velvet monkey orange or mpongolo. The plant is usually propagated by seed, cuttings or grafting.
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seed is the easiest way to propagate Strychnos scheffleri Gilg. The seeds of Strychnos scheffleri Gilg are collected from the fruit when mature. The seeds are then sown in well-draining soil mixed with organic matter and placed in a warm and humid environment for germination. Germination usually takes 3 to 6 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a good size, they can be transplanted to their permanent position.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation by cuttings is another way of propagating Strychnos scheffleri Gilg. Semi-hardwood cuttings that are 6 to 10 inches long are taken from the mother plant in the middle of summer. The cuttings should be taken from lateral shoots that are not flowering. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in a mixture of sand and peat. The cuttings should be kept humid by covering them with a plastic bag or a misting system. The cuttings will root within 6 to 8 weeks and can be transplanted into individual pots.
Grafting Propagation
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg can also be propagated by grafting. Grafting is a form of asexual propagation, where a scion from the desired plant is attached to the rootstock of a related plant. The rootstock must be established and of good quality. The scion is selected from a healthy and vigorous mother plant. The scion is usually taken from the top of the plant and should have at least two buds. The scion is then grafted onto the rootstock using a whip or cleft graft. The graft should be kept humid by covering it with a plastic bag or a misting system. The graft should take within 4 to 6 weeks, and the plant can then be transplanted into its permanent position.
Disease Management for Strychnos scheffleri Gilg
Common diseases that might affect the Strychnos scheffleri Gilg plants include leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot. These diseases can affect the growth and yield of the plants. However, proper disease management strategies can help control the spread and effects of the diseases.
To manage leaf spots and powdery mildew, you can use fungicides such as copper-based products. Regularly monitoring the plants can help you detect these diseases early and treat them effectively. You can also apply cultural practices such as pruning plants to increase airflow around the plants and reduce humidity.
Root rot can be managed by maintaining proper irrigation practices, avoiding over-watering, and ensuring good soil drainage. Treating the plants with fungicides can also help control this disease.
Pest Management for Strychnos scheffleri Gilg
Strychnos scheffleri Gilg plants can also be affected by pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests can cause severe damage to the plants and affect their growth and yield. However, there are several ways to manage these pests.
One effective way to control pests is to maintain good plant health through proper watering, feeding, and pruning practices. You can also use insecticidal soaps to control spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Additionally, employing cultural practices such as removing infested plant parts and disposing of them properly can limit pest infestation.
Regularly monitoring the plants for pests can help detect and control infestations before they become severe. You can also seek professional help from agronomists or pest control experts if the infestation is severe or the pests are resistant to control strategies.
