Description of Strychnos suberifera Gilg & Busse
Strychnos suberifera Gilg & Busse, commonly known as the Corky-barked Poison Bush, is a plant species that belongs to the Strychnos genus. It comes from the family Loganiaceae, which originates from tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and America. This plant is native to the East African region and can be found in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Physical Appearance
The Corky-barked Poison Bush is a shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height. It has thick, corky bark that is ridged and furrowed. The stem and young branches have a green-grey or brown color, while the leaves are glossy and dark green in color. The leaves are oblong to elliptic in shape and can grow up to 15 centimeters long and 7 centimeters wide.
The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are grouped in clusters. The flowers are followed by round, fleshy fruits that are about 1 centimeter in diameter. Each fruit contains up to four seeds that are surrounded by a white, sweet, and juicy pulp.
Traditional Uses
In traditional medicine, various parts of the Corky-barked Poison Bush are used to treat a range of ailments. For instance, the bark and roots are used as a remedy for fever, malaria, and stomach problems. The fruit pulp is used to treat constipation and as a laxative.
The plant also has significant cultural importance. In some East African communities, it is used to brew a popular alcoholic drink, while in others, it is used to make traditional weapons.
Conclusion
Strychnos suberifera Gilg & Busse or the Corky-barked Poison Bush is a unique plant species that is valued for its medicinal and cultural importance. Although it is not widely known, it holds a lot of potential for further research and development.
Light Requirements
Strychnos suberifera Gilg & Busse requires a moderate amount of sunlight to thrive. It grows best in partially shady areas with filtered sunlight. Direct, intense sunlight can damage the leaves and cause them to wilt.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures, with a range between 20-25°C (68-77°F) being ideal. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but is sensitive to frost and cold drafts. The plant should be protected from extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent damage.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos suberifera Gilg & Busse grows well in well-draining, fertile soils with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be loose and rich in organic matter, allowing for good air circulation around the roots. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions.
Cultivation
Strychnos suberifera Gilg & Busse is a tropical plant species that thrives in warm, humid conditions. This species is best grown in well-draining soils with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is ideal to plant the seedlings during the rainy season to ensure good establishment and growth.
To cultivate Strychnos suberifera, prepare the planting site by digging a hole that is twice the size of the root ball. Place the seedling in the hole and add soil around it, firming the soil with your hands. Cover the soil with a layer of mulch to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth and development of Strychnos suberifera. This species prefers to grow in moist soils, so it is important to water regularly. The frequency of watering depends on the weather conditions, with more water needed during the dry season. Waterlogging should be avoided as it can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
The best way to water Strychnos suberifera is to use a drip irrigation system or a watering can, applying water directly to the base of the plant. Water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is important to ensure the health and vigor of Strychnos suberifera. This plant species is a heavy feeder, requiring high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 is recommended.
Apply fertilizer every four months, starting from the third month after planting. Scatter the fertilizer around the plant, avoiding direct contact with the stem. Water the plant after fertilization to help the nutrients penetrate the soil.
Pruning
Pruning Strychnos suberifera is essential to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. This species has a bushy habit and can become overgrown, leading to reduced airflow and increased pest and disease problems.
Prune Strychnos suberifera during the dry season when its growth rate is slow. Begin by removing dead, damaged, and diseased branches. Then, prune to shape the plant, cutting back any branches that are out of place or growing too long. Avoid pruning more than a third of the plant at a time, as this can shock the plant and reduce its vigor.
Propagation of Strychnos Suberifera Gilg & Busse
Strychnos suberifera Gilg & Busse is a relatively rare and slow-growing plant species that is native to the tropical forests of Africa. The plant is mostly propagated from seeds, but it can also be propagated using cuttings or air layering.
Propagation from seeds
The seeds of Strychnos suberifera Gilg & Busse are harvested from the ripe fruits, which turn yellow when fully matured. The seeds should be extracted from the fruits and allowed to dry naturally in the sun for a few days. The matured seeds should be cleaned and sowed in a suitable planting medium, such as sandy soil mixed with compost. The seeds should be sowed shallowly, i.e. covered with a thin layer of the planting medium, and watered regularly to keep the soil moist.
Propagation from cuttings
Propagation from cuttings is less common than propagation from seeds and is mostly used for commercial purposes. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the growing season, i.e. the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should have at least three nodes. The bottom of the cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a suitable planting medium, such as a mixture of sand and compost. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and a humidity dome or plastic bag can be used to cover the cuttings to maintain moisture.
Propagation from air layering
Air layering is a propagation method that is mostly used for woody plants. It involves wounding a stem or branch to stimulate root growth and then cutting the rooted stem or branch to produce a new plant. To propagate Strychnos suberifera Gilg & Busse using air layering, select a healthy stem that is about two years old and 10 cm in diameter. Remove the leaves and bark from a 10 cm section of the stem and apply some rooting hormone to the exposed area. Wrap damp sphagnum moss around the exposed area and cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Check regularly to ensure that the moss remains moist and cut the rooted stem once roots have formed. Plant the rooted stem in a suitable planting medium, such as a mixture of sand and compost, and water regularly.
Disease Management for Strychnos suberifera Gilg & Busse
Strychnos suberifera Gilg & Busse is not prone to many diseases, but fungal diseases might attack the plant. The plant can also experience root and stem rot. Some of the prevalent fungal diseases that can affect Strychnos suberifera include anthracnose and leaf spot. You can manage these diseases by using fungicides. Ensure that you follow all the instructions and dosage provided for the fungicide.
Fungicides that can manage anthracnose and leaf spot include copper-based products. You may also use biological fungicides like Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum. Ensure that the plant is well-drained to prevent the buildup of pathogens. Additionally, you should get rid of any dropped leaves or infected plant material to manage diseases better.
Pest Management for Strychnos suberifera Gilg & Busse
As with many other plants, pests can attack Strychnos suberifera. The plant can suffer from spider mites, aphids, and loopers. Spider mites infestation causes the plant to develop a speckled appearance, while aphids cluster on the leaves' underside. Looper pests have a preference for consuming leaves and flowers.
You can manage the pests using insecticides. An effective insecticide for spider mites is bifenthrin. You can also use neem oil as it is effective for aphids and loopers. For better results, you should carry out periodical application of the insecticides. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also control the pests.
If you opt to use insecticides, follow all instructions and dosage provided. Ensure that the insecticides do not harm beneficial insects in the garden. Lastly, remove any fallen leaves, and maintain good plant hygiene to prevent pest buildup.
