Origin
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce, also known as "Lokonyen" in Kenya, is a plant species that is native to East Africa. Specifically, it is found in parts of Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including the aforementioned "Lokonyen," as well as "Mukutu," "Mbambakofi," and "Lusuyu" in different regions of East Africa.
Uses
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii has various traditional medicinal uses among different communities in East Africa. For example, the seeds are commonly used to treat a variety of illnesses such as fever, malaria, and stomach problems. Additionally, the roots and bark are used to prepare remedies for conditions such as skin infections and toothaches.
Aside from its medicinal uses, the fruit of the Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii plant is edible, although it is sour and astringent. The fruit is usually consumed when ripe and is either eaten raw or used in cooking, particularly in stews.
General Appearance
The Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii plant is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 6 meters in height. It has a dark grey to brown bark that is cracked and fissured. The leaves are simple and alternate, with a glossy green surface. The flowers are small and white, borne in clusters at the base of the leaves. The fruit is a small, round berry that turns from green to orange when ripe.
Light
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce is a sun-loving plant and requires full sunlight to grow properly. The plant can tolerate some shade but the growth is stunted or reduced. It is advisable to plant the species in an open field where it can receive sunlight without any hindrance.
Temperature
The plant grows well in warm temperatures between 20 - 30°C. It can also tolerate slightly lower temperatures but may not survive frost or extreme cold weather. It is essential to provide the plant with adequate warmth, especially during cold seasons.
Soil
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce thrives well in a well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH is between 5.5 - 6.5 but can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soils. The plant requires a moderate amount of water to grow healthy. It is advisable to plant the species in an area with good water drainage to prevent waterlogging, which may cause root rot.
Cultivation methods
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce is a slow-growing, semi-deciduous tree that is native to East Africa. It is usually propagated through seeds, which should be soaked for 24 hours before planting. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture that is rich in organic matter and kept slightly moist. The tree needs plenty of sun and can tolerate some shade.
Watering needs
The tree should be watered regularly during the growing season, especially if the soil begins to dry out. However, the plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand occasional periods of drier soil. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The tree benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month or every six weeks. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, are preferred since they promote healthy soil and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce, but the tree can be trained to have a specific shape or size. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, before new growth appears. Dead or diseased branches should be removed promptly to prevent further damage to the tree.
Propagation of Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce is commonly known as the "Snake-killer tree" or "Mkomaile" in Swahili. It is a valuable medicinal plant with significant economic potential. Propagation of S. spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii can be done either through seeds or vegetative means.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most conventional method for propagating S. spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii. The seeds should be collected from healthy and mature fruits during their peak season. The collected seeds should be de-pulped and cleaned with water before planting. The seeds can be sowed directly into seedbeds or containers. However, it is essential to provide a well-drained and fertile medium for planting. After planting, the seeds should be watered frequently to retain moisture. Germination may take up to 6 weeks, depending on the quality of seeds and environmental conditions.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of S. spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii can be done through cuttings, layering, and grafting. In cutting propagation, stem cuttings of about 15-20cm length and 0.5-1cm diameter are collected from healthy and mature trees during the dormant season. The lower end of the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones before planting into prepared rooting media. Layering is another vegetative propagation method where a branch of the plant is bent low to the ground and covered with soil. After root formation, the rooted branch is detached from the parent plant and transplanted. Grafting is a less common method of propagation but is used to propagate superior plant varieties.
In conclusion, S. spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii is a highly valued medicinal plant, and its propagation can be done through seeds or vegetative means. However, the success of propagation depends on the quality of the seeds or cutting materials and suitable environmental conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos Spinosa Lam. Subsp. Volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce
Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce, commonly known as the monkey orange, is a plant species indigenous to Africa. Like any other plant, it can be affected by various diseases and pests that might compromise its growth and productivity. Therefore, effective management practices are necessary to prevent and control these incidences to keep the plant healthy. In this article, we will highlight some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Strychnos spinosa and how to manage them to achieve optimal growth and productivity.
Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, twigs, and fruit of the monkey orange. Symptoms of anthracnose include the appearance of small, circular, and water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which later develop into brown or black spots. The lesions also appear on the fruit, resulting in rotting and eventual dropping.
Management: To manage anthracnose, practice good sanitation by removing and destroying diseased plant parts. Avoid planting in areas that have previously been infected with anthracnose. Apply copper-based fungicides as soon as the symptoms appear.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of the monkey orange. The disease is characterized by the appearance of small, circular, water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which turn yellow or brown and merge forming bigger irregular spots. Severe infections can cause defoliation and reduce the plant's growth and productivity.
Management: To manage leaf spot, avoid overhead watering as the spores are easily dispersed by water droplets. Remove infected leaves and destroy them. Apply copper-based fungicides to reduce the spread of the disease.
Pests
Fruit Fly: Fruit flies are small insects that lay eggs on the fruit of the monkey orange. The eggs hatch into larvae that feed on the fruit, causing it to rot and drop. The presence of maggots inside the fruits makes them unpalatable and unfit for consumption.
Management: To manage fruit flies, practice good sanitation by removing and destroying fallen and infested fruit. Use protein baits like methyl eugenol traps to trap the adults before they lay eggs on the fruit. Insecticides can also be applied but are not environmentally friendly.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant sap of the monkey orange. They form colonies on the base of leaves and stems, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth.
Management: To manage mealybugs, apply insecticides like neem oil or horticultural soaps. Alternatively, prune infested plant parts and destroy them.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management are crucial in maintaining the health and productivity of Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E.A.Bruce. By implementing the above management practices, farmers can minimize the occurrence and severity of diseases and pests and achieve optimal productivity.
