Overview of Strychnos sennensis Baker
Strychnos sennensis Baker, also commonly known as the African coral tree, is a plant species of the genus Strychnos and family Loganiaceae. Strychnos sennensis is native to Africa, particularly in tropical countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
General Appearance of Strychnos sennensis Baker
Strychnos sennensis Baker is a tree that can grow up to 20 meters with a stem diameter of up to 60 centimeters. It has a straight trunk and a spreading crown. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and smooth, with a granular texture. The leaves are simple and opposite, with a size of about 7 to 16 cm long. The flowers of the African coral tree are small, greenish-yellow, and star-shaped, and they are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a rounded berry, about 4 to 6 cm in diameter, with a hard and woody outer layer.
Common Uses of Strychnos sennensis Baker
In traditional African medicine, Strychnos sennensis Baker is used for various medicinal purposes. The leaves and bark of the plant are used to treat fever, pain, and stomach ailments. The bark of the African coral tree is used as a purgative and a remedy for snake bites. The seeds of the plant are used as a source of oil, which is used for cooking and lighting lamps.
Aside from its medicinal uses, Strychnos sennensis Baker is also used as a source of timber. Its wood is heavy, hard, and durable, making it ideal for use in carpentry and building construction. It is also used as firewood and for making charcoal.
Strychnos sennensis Baker has potential for industrial applications. The seed oil contains high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, making it a valuable resource for the production of soap, varnishes, and other products. The bark and seeds of the African coral tree contain alkaloids such as strychnine and brucine, which have been used for their potent central nervous system stimulant properties and as a muscle relaxant.
As an ornamental plant, Strychnos sennensis Baker is grown in botanical gardens and as a shade tree in parks and urban landscapes.
Light Requirements
Strychnos sennensis Baker requires full sunlight to thrive. The plant cannot grow well in shade or partial shade and may experience stunted growth if these conditions persist for a long time.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Strychnos sennensis Baker is between 20°C and 35°C. The plant can tolerate relatively high temperatures, but extreme heat may cause leaf scorching or wilting. On the other hand, low temperatures can cause leaf drop and slow growth.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos sennensis Baker thrives in well-drained, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be within the range of 5.5 to 7.0. The plant can tolerate some level of soil salinity but may experience stunted growth or root damage if the salt levels are too high.
Cultivation
Strychnos sennensis Baker, commonly known as Strychnos, can be grown from both seeds and cuttings. However, it is advisable to grow from seeds as it is easier and maintains the plant's genetic diversity.
Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow them in well-draining soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist throughout the germination process.
Strychnos requires full sunlight to grow, so it should be planted in an area with maximum sun exposure. It can tolerate different soil types but grows best in well-draining soils with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Watering Needs
For the first few weeks, Strychnos requires frequent watering to maintain moist soil. After that, it can withstand dry periods, but it's essential to water it regularly, especially during the dry season. Water the plant thoroughly, ensuring the soil remains moist.
However, waterlogging should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other issues associated with overwatering. Before watering, check the soil's moisture content by sticking a finger into the soil - watering is required if the soil feels dry.
Fertilization
Strychnos sennensis Baker should be fertilized twice a year - during the rainy seasons or in spring and fall. Organic fertilizers, like well-rotted manure, can be used at a rate of one pound per plant. The application can be increased when necessary based on the plant's size.
Using chemical-based fertilizers is also an alternative. Apply them when the plant is actively growing. However, it's essential to follow the instructions and use them sparingly.
Pruning
Pruning is a crucial aspect of Strychnos sennensis Baker care. It promotes good growth and proper shape. The best time to prune is during late winter or early spring. Remove dead and damaged branches and any branches that are growing in the wrong direction.
Pruning should also be done to control the plant's size and shape. Cutting back the tips of new growth will encourage dense branching. Do not remove more than one-third of the plant's branches at any one time to prevent damage and promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Strychnos sennensis Baker
Strychnos sennensis Baker, commonly known as "Marama" is a climbing shrub that is indigenous to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is highly valued for its medicinal properties and for its edible nuts. Propagation of S. sennensis can be done through various methods which include:
Seed propagation
S. sennensis can be propagated through seeds which are found inside the fruit of the plant. The seeds should be collected during the fruiting season just before they are dispersed naturally. Marama seeds have a hard coating which needs to be scarified before planting. This can be achieved by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper to enable water to enter the seed. The seeds should then be soaked for 24 hours in water before planting to initiate germination. They should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate in about 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, and hardwood cuttings can all be used to propagate S. sennensis. The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the growing season, making sure to avoid stems with flowers or fruit. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Keeping the soil moist and ensuring sufficient light and warmth can help in the rooting process.
Air layering propagation
Air layering can also be used to propagate S. sennensis. This is done by making a cut on a stem of the parent plant, and then surrounding the cut area with sphagnum moss or other moist materials. The cut should be kept moist by frequent watering until roots develop. After 6-12 months, the newly formed roots can be cut and potted separately.
Propagation of S. sennensis through seeds, cuttings, and air layering is relatively easy and can be done successfully with proper care and attention.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos sennensis Baker
Strychnos sennensis Baker is a small tree species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is commonly found in tropical regions of Africa. Like all other plants, S. sennensis is susceptible to certain pests and diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Thus, it is essential to adopt various methods and strategies for disease and pest management.
Common Pests Affecting S. sennensis
One of the common pests that can affect S. sennensis is the aphid. These insects suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth, and they can also transmit several viruses. To manage aphid infestation, using insecticidal soap and neem oil sprays is effective. Another pest that could potentially damage S. sennensis is the spider mite. These pests cause yellowing of leaves and webs on the plant's surface. A regular spray of pyrethroid-based insecticide can manage the population of spider mites.
Common Diseases Affecting S. sennensis
Strychnos sennensis is prone to various diseases, including bacterial wilt, leaf spot, and stem canker. Bacterial wilt causes yellowing and wilting of leaves. This disease spreads quickly and can infect the entire plant within a short time. There is no cure for bacterial wilt; therefore, removing the infected plants and adopting crop rotation practices are the best ways to manage the disease. Leaf spot is another common disease, which appears as brown or black spots on the plant's leaves. Prevention is the best strategy for managing leaf spot, and this involves practicing proper plant hygiene, including removing the infected leaves and avoiding overhead irrigation that can splash pathogens from the soil to the plant. Stem canker is another fungal disease that affects the plant's stem, leading to withering and eventual death. The best strategy for managing stem canker is by practicing sanitation measures like pruning and disposal of the infected tissues.
Integrated Pest and Disease Management
Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) is an approach that combines multiple control methods to manage pests and diseases. It is a comprehensive and sustainable approach aimed at reducing pesticide use while maintaining plant productivity. In IPDM, farmers can adopt practices like crop rotation, planting resistant cultivars, cultural practices like mulching, and proper sanitation. By applying these practices, farmers can significantly reduce the incidence of pests and diseases on their crops.
In conclusion, managing pests and diseases is essential to ensure the optimal growth and productivity of Strychnos sennensis Baker. Farmers should adopt various practices like IPDM to mitigate the damage caused by pests and diseases. By doing so, they can protect their crops and attain better yields while still minimizing their ecological footprint.
