Origin and Common Names
Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse, commonly known as "Tsam" or "Tsam-e-tsebo" in Ethiopia, is a woody liana which belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is native to the tropical forests of Africa, specifically Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 15 meters long and has a stem diameter of about 8 centimeters. It has a thick and corky bark that is gray in color. The leaves of Strychnos thomsiana are simple, opposite, and ovate in shape, with a length ranging from 5-15 cm. The flowers are small, white, and grouped in clusters, while the fruits are spherical and orange in color, with a diameter of about 5cm.
Uses
Strychnos thomsiana var. elegans is highly valued for its medicinal properties. The bark, leaves, and roots are used in herbal medicine to treat several diseases, including malaria, fever, and hemorrhoids. The roots are also used as an antidote for snake bites and as a purgative. In addition, the plant's wood is used for making utensils and construction materials since it is strong and durable.
Light Requirements
Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse is known to prefer moderate to bright indirect sunlight. It thrives in well-lit environments but may suffer from direct exposure to intense sunlight. Hence, it is recommended to place the plant in a location where it can receive bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse is between 18 to 26 degrees Celsius. It is essential to maintain a stable temperature range to promote good growth. Avoid exposing the plant to extreme temperatures, such as frost or excessive heat, as it may lead to damage or stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mixture that consists of peat moss, perlite, and sand in a 1:1:1 ratio is ideal for the plant to grow. It is also recommended to keep the soil moisture level in check as the plant is susceptible to root rot when overwatered.
Cultivation Methods for Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse
Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse is a tropical plant that grows best in warm, humid conditions. It is commonly cultivated in gardens and as an indoor plant. To cultivate this plant successfully, you need to follow these methods:
- Choose a location with well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
- Plant in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
- Use a container with drainage holes or plant directly in the ground.
- Provide support for the plant to climb if necessary.
- Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks.
Watering Needs for Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse
Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse requires regular watering to thrive. Here are some tips for watering:
- Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Do not let the soil dry out completely.
- Water deeply and thoroughly to saturate the soil.
- Make sure there is good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
- Mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity.
Fertilization for Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse
Fertilization is crucial for Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse to grow healthy and produce flowers. Follow these tips to fertilize the plant effectively:
- Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Fertilize in the spring and summer every four to six weeks.
- Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
- Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct amount to use.
- Avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.
Pruning Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse
Pruning is necessary to maintain the size and shape of Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse. Here are some tips on how to prune:
- Prune in the spring before new growth starts.
- Use sharp, clean pruning shears.
- Remove dead or damaged branches first.
- Remove any crossing or rubbing branches.
- Pinch off the tips of the branches to encourage bushiness.
- Maintain the desired shape of the plant as you prune.
Propagation of Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse
Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is known for its medicinal properties, and it is propagated through various methods.
Seed propagation
Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse can be propagated through seeds. The seeds are collected from the mature fruit and soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and kept moist until germination. It may take up to several months for the seeds to germinate. The seedlings are then transplanted into individual pots after they have grown to a suitable size. It is essential to maintain the seedlings with sufficient sunlight and water.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method of propagating Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse. Cuttings are usually taken from the mature plant during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should have at least two nodes. They are then treated with rooting hormone and planted in a potting mix made up of sand and soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight. The roots will usually develop in about three to four weeks.
Air-layering propagation
Another propagation method for Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse is air-layering. Air-layering involves creating a wound in the stem of the mother plant to induce root formation. A section of the stem is wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic wrap. The plastic wrap is then sealed at both ends to maintain moisture. After about two to three months, roots will develop, and the newly propagated plant can be detached from the mother plant and transplanted.
In conclusion, Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air-layering. Each propagation method has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is essential to use the right technique for successful propagation.
Disease Management
The plant Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungi and manifests as circular brown spots on the plant's leaves. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide early in the growing season.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poor soil drainage, which leads to root damage and eventual plant death. To manage root rot, ensure adequate soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and use a fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease manifests as a powdery white substance on the plant's leaves, caused by fungal spores. To manage this disease, improve air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
The plant Strychnos thomsiana Gilg & Busse var. elegans Gilg & Busse is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Whiteflies: These pests are tiny white insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause damage to its leaves. To manage whiteflies, use sticky traps, apply insecticide, and remove and dispose of heavily infested leaves.
- Aphids: These pests are also sap-feeders, causing curling of the plant's leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, use a strong jet of water to dislodge them from the plant, use insecticidal soap or oil, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Spider Mites: These pests are tiny, but their feeding causes yellow stippling on the plant's leaves. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant, use insecticidal soap or oil, and remove and dispose of heavily infested leaves.
