Overview:
Strychnos ternata, also known as the "Three-leaved Strychnos," is a small shrub or tree that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is a native plant of Africa, specifically found in Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. This plant is known for its medicinal properties, and it has been used by the indigenous people of Africa for centuries. It is now gaining popularity in the Western world due to its potent medicinal effects.
Common Names:
The Strychnos ternata is referred to by various common names in different regions. Some of the most common names include "Mupambana" in Zimbabwe, "Umupambana" in Zambia, and "Kukubala" in Angola. The name "Strychnos" comes from the Greek word "strychnos," which means "bitter-tasting" due to the plant's bitter fruit.
Uses:
The Strychnos ternata is traditionally used in African medicine to treat various illnesses, including fever, cough, malaria, and diarrhea. It is believed to boost the immune system, cure infections and inflammations and alleviate pain. The plant is known to contain potent alkaloids, which are responsible for most of its medicinal properties. One such alkaloid is strychnine, which is widely used as a pesticide. The alkaloid is known to have properties that stimulate the nervous system, which may aid in the treatment of paralysis and other nervous system disorders.
General Appearance:
The Strychnos ternata is a small, evergreen tree or shrub that can grow up to 6 m tall. The plant has a smooth, grayish-brown bark and leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs. The leaves are about 6-15 cm long and elliptic or ovate in shape. The flowers are small, white or pale yellow, and arranged in clusters. The fruit is a 2-3 cm diameter red or orange-yellow berry with up to four seeds in each fruit. The fruit is oblong and contains a hard, woody capsule that houses the seeds. The fruit is very bitter-tasting and is used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb. thrives in full sun to partial shade. Being native to tropical areas, it can tolerate high levels of sunlight. However, excessive sunlight exposure in extremely hot conditions can damage the foliage and have an adverse effect on the overall growth of the plant. On the other hand, growing the plant in a shaded area can result in poor flowering and fruit development. Therefore, the ideal light condition for Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb. would be partial shade, where the plant is protected from direct sunlight in the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb. thrives in warm to hot and humid conditions. It requires a minimum temperature of 20°C to grow healthily. The plant cannot tolerate frost or freezing conditions and may die if exposed to extreme cold temperatures. Therefore, it is better to grow the plant in tropical or subtropical regions. Moreover, it is sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, and therefore, it is essential to ensure that the plant is not exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations as they may lead to stunted growth or death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb. requires well-drained, loamy, and fertile soils for optimum growth. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils, as it can cause root rot and fungal infections. Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb. prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. Additionally, it is recommended to incorporate a generous amount of organic matter such as compost, leaves, or manure into the soil to provide essential nutrients for the plant's growth.
Cultivation of Strychnos Ternata Gilg Ex Leeuwenb
Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb is a tropical plant that requires specific growing conditions to thrive. When cultivating this plant, there are a few essential factors to bear in mind, including temperature, soil, light, and humidity.
Soil Needs
Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb requires well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging issues that could compromise its development. A mixture of sand, peat, and perlite is ideal for cultivating this plant successfully.
Watering
Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb is relatively drought-tolerant and prefers water in moderation. It would be best to let the soil dry slightly between watering to keep the roots healthy. The frequency of watering may depend on the temperature and humidity of the environment.
Fertilizing
Fertilize Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer when it's actively growing. Depending on the type of fertilizer used, you may fertilize every 2-4 weeks. It's best to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this may cause root burn or lead to stunted growth.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to keep Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb in shape and stimulate new growth. Pruning also helps eliminate any damaged or diseased leaves, promoting a healthier plant. Prune any undesired branches or overgrowth, but be careful not to cut too close to the main stem as this may cause damage.
Propagation of Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb.
Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb. can be propagated by several methods, including seeds, cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are one of the most common methods for propagating Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb. To ensure successful germination, it is best to plant the seeds immediately after harvesting or within one to two days. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water for about 24 hours to soften the hard coating. They should then be planted 1-2 cm deep in well-draining soil, and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within 3-4 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb. can also be propagated by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth in the spring, while semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from partially mature wood in the late summer to early fall. After taking the cuttings, remove the lower leaves and dip the end in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil. They should then be kept in a warm and humid place until roots start to develop in about 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Layering
Layering is another method of propagating Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb. This involves bending a low-hanging stem to the ground and covering it with soil, leaving the tip above the surface. After a few weeks, roots will develop from the covered portion. Once roots have developed sufficiently, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and re-planted in a new location.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagating Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb. It involves joining a section of the plant with desirable traits onto a rootstock. This can be done by various methods such as whip grafting, cleft grafting, or bud grafting. Grafting ensures that the plant will retain the desirable traits and gives it a stronger root system.
Disease Management
Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb. is prone to several diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Leaf spot disease: This is caused by a fungal infection that leads to the development of circular or oval spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and destroy them. Additionally, apply fungicides to the plant to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes the wilting and yellowing of leaves. The disease is spread by water and wind, making it challenging to manage. You can control it by removing the infected leaves, exposing the plant to sunlight and air circulation, and applying fungicides to the plant.
- Canker: Canker is a fungal disease that causes the bark of the plant to develop patches that eventually lead to the death of the plant. To manage this condition, prune the affected branches and apply fungicides to the plant.
Pest Management
Strychnos ternata Gilg ex Leeuwenb. is also prone to pest infestations that can cause significant damage to the plant. The pests that commonly affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These pests suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and deformities on the plant. To manage aphids, use insecticides that target the pests.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites thrive in hot and dry conditions and can cause significant damage to the leaves. The leaves develop yellowish spots, and a fine webbing covers the plant. To manage spider mites, use insecticides or miticides that target these pests.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing the foliage to turn yellow and wilt. To manage these pests, use insecticides that target whiteflies.
- Thrips: Thrips are small insects that attack the flowers and buds of the plant. They cause a reduction in flower production and can also lead to deformities in the flower buds. To manage thrips, use insecticides that target these pests.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are voracious feeders that eat the leaves and stems of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage caterpillars, you can either physically remove them from the plant, use insecticides that target them, or introduce natural predators such as birds or beneficial insects like ladybugs.
