Description of Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel
Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel is a plant species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is commonly known as "Bobunding" or "Mahongwe" in Cameroon, where it is commonly found. The plant is named after the Soubré region of Ivory Coast, where it is also found.
Origin and Distribution of Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel
Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel is native to Cameroon and the Ivory Coast, but it is also found in other parts of West Africa, such as Ghana and Nigeria. It grows in the rainforest and savanna regions of the African continent, particularly in areas with a high amount of rainfall and well-drained soils.
Appearance of Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel
The plant is a shrub or a small tree that typically grows up to 6 meters in height. It has a smooth, greyish bark and long, lanceolate leaves that are arranged opposite each other. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and are borne in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a round, fleshy berry that contains numerous seeds.
Uses of Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel
Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as malaria, fever, gastrointestinal disorders, and snakebites. The plant contains strychnine, a poisonous alkaloid that is used as a pesticide and a drug for treating neurological disorders such as spasms and seizures. The bark of the plant is also used for making twine and ropes, while the wood is used for carving and making household tools.
Light Requirements
Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel is a tropical plant that requires bright, indirect sunlight to grow properly. It is adapted to the high light levels found in its natural habitat and needs at least six hours of sunlight daily to maintain its growth and health.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel growth is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant is sensitive to low temperatures and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. In high-temperature regions, the plant may require supplemental irrigation to maintain adequate moisture levels in the soil.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel grows in a wide variety of soils ranging from sandy to loamy, clayey soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter content. The pH level should range from 6 to 7.5 for optimal growth. The plant has moderate drought tolerance but can suffer from root rot when there is excessive moisture in the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel, also known as the Poison rope plant or Sapo, is a tropical tree that grows best in warm, humid conditions. It is native to West Africa, and thrives in areas where the temperatures range between 20°C and 35°C.
When planting, it is best to ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant requires partial shade and prefers to grow in areas with a slightly acidic soil pH level of between 5.5 and 6.5. Do not plant the sapo tree near buildings, people, or livestock as it is highly toxic and can cause serious health problems if ingested.
Watering needs
The Strychnos soubrensis plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. During dry spells, the tree should be watered thoroughly to prevent the soil from drying out. Watering should be reduced during the wet season or rainy periods.
When watering, it is best to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can cause fungal and bacterial diseases. The ideal time to water is early in the morning or late in the evening.
Fertilization
The sapo tree requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and abundant fruiting. When planting, incorporate manure, compost, or any other organic fertilizer into the soil to improve the soil's fertility. Additional fertilization should be done every three to four months using a balanced fertilizer.
Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are ideal. However, it is necessary to avoid over-fertilization as this can result in weak growth, lower fruit quality, and damage to the plant.
Pruning
The Strychnos soubrensis tree requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done during the winter months when the plant is dormant to avoid damaging new growth.
Dead or damaged branches should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of disease. When pruning, it is necessary to use disinfected tools to reduce the risk of disease. To promote branching in young trees, it is necessary to prune the top bud in the first year of planting.
Regular pruning also helps to enhance fruit quality and quantity by allowing more light to reach the lower parts of the tree. It can also help to prevent the tree from becoming too tall and unwieldy.
Propagation of Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel
Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel is commonly known as the Soubre's nightshade and is a medicinal plant. Propagation method for this plant is through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through seeds
Strychnos soubrensis seeds can be easily collected from the fruit. The seed must be sowed in a well-prepared bed containing loose soil, mixed with compost or well-rotted manure. The seeds should be sown during the rainy season to ensure adequate moisture for germination. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and should be kept moist. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Propagation through cuttings
Strychnos soubrensis can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings are the most preferred and should be taken in the early morning or late afternoon. The cutting should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least two leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the base of the cutting in a rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting in a well-draining rooting medium, and keep it in a warm, bright location. The cutting should root in about 4-6 weeks.
Propagation through grafting
Strychnos soubrensis can be propagated through grafting using the whip and tongue method. The rootstock should be selected, and the scion must be taken from the desired plant. The rootstock should be cut at an angle, and the scion should also be cut at an angle, making sure the cuts are of the same size. The tip of the scion should be inserted into the cut present on the rootstock, ensuring that the cambium layers match. The union should be sealed with grafting tape or wax and kept in a warm, bright location. The graft should take about 6-8 weeks to heal.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel
Strychnos soubrensis Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as the Soubre Poison Tree, can be susceptible to several diseases and pests, which can negatively impact the plant's growth and yield. Therefore, it is crucial to take necessary measures to prevent and manage them. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and the ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation. It can be managed by timely pruning of affected leaves, avoiding overhead irrigation, and using fungicides.
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that creates a powdery white film on the leaves and can stunt the plant's growth. It can be managed by ensuring proper air circulation, reducing humidity, and using fungicides.
Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots, causing them to rot. It can be caused by overwatering and poor drainage. It can be managed by providing adequate drainage, reducing water usage, and using fungicides.
Pests
Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that can inflict significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. They can be managed by washing the leaves regularly with a strong stream of water, introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or using insecticides.
Aphids: These are small sap-sucking insects that can stunt the growth of the plant. They can be easily identified by the honeydew they produce on the leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
Mealybugs: These are tiny white cottony insects that can infest the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be managed by removing them manually with a cotton swab, washing the leaves with a strong stream of water, using insecticidal soaps or oils, or introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the plant can help prevent and manage the diseases and pests effectively. It is also essential to use appropriate pesticides, follow the instructions carefully, and apply them appropriately to avoid any adverse effects on the plant or the environment.
