Overview of Strychnos spinosa Lam. var. pubescens Baker
Strychnos spinosa Lam. var. pubescens Baker belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is an evergreen shrub or a small tree that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. Its common names include green poison, Thong Lang, and Thai quinine.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to 10 meters high with a trunk that is 30 centimeters in diameter. The branches grow opposite to each other, and the bark is rough, fissured, and greyish-brown. The leaves are simple, ovate, and have a size of about 10 cm x 6 cm. The flowers are white, fragrant, and grow in corymbose cymes. The fruit is a yellowish-orange berry that contains seeds that are around 1 cm in diameter.
Medicinal Uses
The plant has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, hypertension, and malaria. The bark and roots of Strychnos spinosa have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and are used to relieve pain and inflammation. The leaves, stem, and bark are used as a remedy for snakebite. The plant is also used as a tonic for the digestive system and to treat dyspepsia and diarrhea.
Other Uses
The plant has many other uses. The wooden trunk is used for making furniture, and the bark is used for tanning leather and to make rope. The fruits are used to make jam, jellies, and beverages. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant.
Toxicity
The plant contains strychnine, which is a potent poison. Ingestion of the seeds or the bark can be fatal, causing convulsions, paralysis, and ultimately death. The plant should be handled with care, and its use should only be under the guidance of a qualified physician.
Light requirements:
Strychnos spinosa Lam. var. pubescens Baker requires full sunlight exposure for healthy growth. It is a sun-loving plant that can tolerate partial shade but performs best when exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
Temperature requirements:
The plant prefers a warm, tropical climate with an average temperature range of 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate higher temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius but cannot withstand frost or temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is not suitable for growing in colder regions or under extreme temperature fluctuations.
Soil requirements:
The plant grows well in well-drained, sandy loam soils rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It is not tolerant of waterlogged conditions and requires a soil that allows adequate root aeration. Additionally, the plant can tolerate drought conditions but cannot withstand prolonged waterlogging or flooding of the roots.
Fertilization requirements:
Fertilization should be done before the onset of the rainy season, when the plant is actively growing. A balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) in a ratio of 4:2:4 is suitable for the plant's growth. Therefore, adding organic matter to the soil, especially compost and animal manure, can improve soil nutrient levels and provide slow-release fertilization.
Water requirements:
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, but care must be taken not to over-water it during rainy seasons or in waterlogged soils. It is best to water the plant in the morning, allowing the excess moisture to drain away before nightfall. Checking the soil moisture content at regular intervals is essential to prevent the soil from drying out and to avoid waterlogging.
Cultivation methods
Strychnos spinosa Lam. var. pubescens Baker, commonly known as the green poison nut, is a tropical plant that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. The plant thrives well in areas with an altitude of between 600-1,800 m above sea level, with an average temperature of 20-28 °C, and an annual rainfall of 1,500-2,500 mm.
The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. Before planting, prepare the planting site by digging a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and mix in compost or manure to enhance soil fertility. After planting, mulch the plant to retain soil moisture, and control weeds.
Watering needs
Strychnos spinosa Lam. var. pubescens Baker requires regular watering during the growing period to maintain soil moisture. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the prevailing weather conditions. Avoid over-watering since it may cause root rot. Waterlogging can also lead to low oxygen levels, making the plant susceptible to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK 10:10:10) before planting and every two to three months subsequently. Use one or two teaspoons around the base of the plant, depending on the size. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be added during planting to improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Strychnos spinosa Lam. var. pubescens Baker requires minimal pruning. Pruning should only be done to remove damaged or dead limbs. Also, prune to maintain the desired shape and to enhance air circulation. Pruning should be done during the dry season.
Propagation of Strychnos spinosa Lam. var. pubescens Baker
Strychnos spinosa Lam. var. pubescens Baker, commonly known as the green poison creeper, is a plant species that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. This woody climber is native to Africa and is known for its medicinal properties. The plant is propagated through several methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Strychnos spinosa. The seeds are obtained from ripe fruits, which can be collected from the plant. The seeds are then cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours to remove the pulp. It is important to note that the seeds have a hard coat and require scarification or soaking in hot water to soften the coat before planting. After scarification, the seeds are sown in a well-drained soil mixture and covered lightly with soil. Germination takes place 2-3 weeks after sowing.
Cuttings Propagation
The plant can also be propagated from cuttings. Stem cuttings of about 15-20 cm long are taken from the parent plant. The cuttings are then treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until they are established. Rooting takes place after 2-3 weeks.
Air Layering
This method involves inducing roots to form on a stem still attached to the parent plant. A section of the stem is slit, and rooting hormone is applied. The slit section is then covered with moist moss and plastic wrapping to keep it in place. Roots will form at the slit section after a few weeks, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Division Method
The division method involves separating the parent plant into several sections and planting them individually. The method is suitable for mature plants with multiple stems. The plant is carefully uprooted from the soil, and the stem sections are separated by cutting them at the base with a sharp knife. Each section is then replanted in a well-drained soil mixture, and watering should be done regularly until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos spinosa Lam. var. pubescens Baker
Strychnos spinosa Lam. var. pubescens Baker, commonly known as the green poison creeper or green star apple, is a tropical tree that produces green, star-shaped fruits. This plant can be susceptible to various diseases and pests that may cause significant damage. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots, stem cankers, and dark lesions on the fruit. It thrives in warm, humid climates and can spread rapidly in wet conditions. To manage anthracnose, remove any infected plant debris and avoid watering the plant from overhead. Fungicides such as copper-based or sulfur-based sprays may also help prevent the disease.
Phytophthora Root Rot: This soil-borne disease causes wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth of the plant. Affected plants often have blackened and rotted roots. To prevent this disease, avoid overwatering the plant, improve soil drainage, and grow plants in raised beds. Fungicides such as Ridomil or Aliette may also help control the disease.
Pests
Fruit Flies: These pests can cause significant damage to the fruit by laying eggs inside the fruit, which leads to rotting. To control fruit flies, remove any fallen fruit, and dispose of it properly. You can also use yellow sticky traps to capture the adult flies.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to yellow and wilt. To control spider mites, regularly spray the plant with water and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and stunted growth of the plant. They secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and fosters the growth of sooty mold. To control mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe them off the plant's leaves and stems. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the infestation.
With proper management of diseases and pests, Strychnos spinosa Lam. var. pubescens Baker can grow healthy and produce bountiful fruits. By identifying the signs of diseases and pests early and taking appropriate action, you can prevent significant damage to your plant.
