Origin
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce is a plant species that originated in East Africa, and is native to countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia. This plant species has been known to grow in arid and semi-arid areas.
Common Names
This plant species is commonly known as the "Poison Rope", "Three-leaved Strychnos" or "Lucky Berry". In the local languages, this plant is known as "Mkali" in Swahili, "Kiroto" in Maasai, and "Kasarnoi" in Samburu.
Uses
The plant Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce is known for its medicinal properties. The plant contains several alkaloids such as strychnine and brucine, which are known for their medicinal properties. The bark and roots of this plant are used for the treatment of various ailments such as fever, malaria, and stomach problems.
Aside from its medicinal properties, the fruits of this plant are also edible. The fruit of Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce is small and round, and is said to have a sour taste. It is also used to make a traditional alcoholic beverage in some communities.
General Appearance
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce is a thorny shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. The plant has small leaves that are dark green in color and are arranged in clusters of three. The flowers of this plant are yellow and are small in size. The fruits are small, round, and green when young, turning yellow when ripe. The plant has a deep taproot that helps it survive in arid and semi-arid areas.
Light requirements
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce is a plant that prefers full sunlight. However, it can also tolerate partial shade. Its growth is usually stunted in shaded areas, and it may not produce as many flowers or fruits as it would in well-lit areas.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce is between 20 and 30°C (68 and 86°F). It can still grow in temperatures outside of this range, but extreme temperatures may stunt its growth or even kill it. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) may cause leaf drop and damage to the plant.
Soil requirements
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged soil, and this can cause root rot. The plant also benefits from the addition of organic matter to the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce is a hardy plant that thrives in tropical areas with moderate to high humidity. It grows best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The plant prefers direct sunlight and should be placed in an open area that receives plenty of light.
Propagation is done through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours before planting. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and planted in well-draining soil. Provide the plant with adequate support as it grows.
Watering Needs
Watering should be done regularly, but the plant should not be overwatered. The frequency of watering depends on the season, growth rate, and weather conditions. In dry spells, the plant should be watered more often, while in rainy conditions, watering should be reduced. The soil should be moist, but waterlogged conditions should be avoided as they lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce should be fertilized regularly for healthy growth and maximum yield. A balanced fertilizer should be used with a ratio of N-P-K 10-10-10. Fertilization should be done after every three months.
Pruning
Pruning is required to control the size of the plant, promote bushiness, and maximize the yield. Pruning should be done after harvesting. Remove the dead, diseased, and weak branches. Also, remove the suckers that emerge from the base of the plant. Prune the topmost branches to prevent the plant from becoming too tall and difficult to manage.
Propagation of Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce
The plant Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce, also known as the black monkey orange, can be propagated in various ways to produce new plants. The propagation methods include:
Seed propagation
Black monkey orange can be propagated through seeds which are obtained from mature fruits. Ripe fruits are picked from the tree and dropped on the ground where they split open to release the seeds. Seeds are collected and dried before planting. The seeds can be sown directly in the field or in a nursery. They require soil with good drainage, and a mixture of sandy and loamy soil is ideal. The seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil, and watering is done regularly until germination.
Cuttings propagation
Another method of propagation is through stem cuttings. Cuttings are taken from healthy trees during the dormant season, that is, early spring when the tree has shed its leaves. The cuttings should be about 20 to 30 cm long and 1 cm in diameter and they should be mature and woody. The bottom part of the cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings are planted in a mixture of river sand and soil in a nursery bed and kept moist. The cuttings usually root within 6 to 8 weeks.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another propagation technique that is suitable for black monkey orange. It involves wounding the stem of a mature tree and applying a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. A ball of soil or compost is then wrapped around the wounded area and moistened. The ball is then wrapped in a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Roots will begin to grow within a few weeks and after a few months, the new roots will be strong enough to be cut from the parent tree and planted in a nursery.
These three propagation methods can be used to produce new plants of Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce in large quantities to meet the needs of farmers, researchers or anyone interested in growing this plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii is a plant commonly found in tropical regions. It is important to maintain the health of these plants as they have various pharmacological and economic uses. Diseases and pests can have a significant impact on the health of these plants. Below are some common diseases and pests associated with this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Fusarium wilt: Fusarium oxysporum is a fungus that causes Fusarium wilt in this plant. The leaves of the plant turn yellow and dry up, and the stem of the plant becomes discolored. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
2. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves of the plant. The leaves develop a white powdery coating, which can interfere with photosynthesis. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good airflow and avoid excessive fertilization. Fungicides can also be used to control powdery mildew.
3. Bacterial canker: Bacterial canker is a disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae. Symptoms include dark spots on the leaves and stems of the plant and cankers on the bark. To manage this disease, it is important to practice good sanitation practices, such as removing and destroying infected plant parts. Copper-based fungicides can also be used to control bacterial canker.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are a common pest that attack the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, which can cause wilting and stunting. To manage this pest, it is important to release natural predators or use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause damage to the leaves of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and become distorted. To manage this pest, it is important to maintain good hygiene and avoid over-fertilization. Acaricides can also be used to control spider mites.
3. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant. The damage caused by whiteflies can lead to reduced growth and poor yields. To manage this pest, it is important to use yellow sticky traps or release natural predators, such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can also be used to control whiteflies.
In summary, Strychnos spinosa is a plant that is prone to various diseases and pests. To maintain the health of these plants, it is important to recognize the symptoms of these diseases and pests and implement effective management strategies.
