Overview of Strychnos triclisioides Baker
Strychnos triclisioides Baker, commonly known as the large-fruited green-barked snake root, is a species of plant belonging to the genus Strychnos. It is a woody perennial shrub or small tree with green, smooth bark that is native to Africa.
Origin and Distribution
S. triclisioides is found across various areas in East, Central, and Southern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Asides from the large-fruited green-barked snake root, S. triclisioides is fondly referred to by the locals as mtanda dume in Swahili (referring to the bitter taste of the roots) and mwasu in Chichewa.
Appearance and Characteristics
The plant grows up to 5 meters tall and has a limber, often curved trunk. It has oval to lanceolate-shaped leaves that are glossy green and measure about 5 cm long. The flowers are small and arranged in compact clusters on the branches. The fruit is a large, woody capsule that is about 15 cm in diameter, with a hard, smooth, green shell containing up to four seeds. The roots are long, thick, cylindrical, and extremely bitter, making them unpalatable.
Uses and Benefits
The plant has a wide range of medicinal benefits attributed to its active molecules, including the presence of several alkaloids like strychnine, brucine, and vomicine. The roots are traditionally used in Africa to treat various ailments such as malaria, fever, snakebite, and intestinal worms. The plant is also used in some cultures as a cleanser or aphrodisiac.
In addition to its medicinal uses, S. triclisioides is also used to create handicrafts such as baskets and hats. The wood is durable and hard, making it ideal for construction of tools and weapons too.
Despite its multiple uses, it poses a high risk of poisoning, due to the presence of strychnine and brucine. As a result, extreme caution and careful handling is advised.
Growth Conditions for Strychnos triclisioides Baker
Strychnos triclisioides Baker is a plant species native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It belongs to the family Loganiaceae, and it is commonly known as the "thorn tree" due to its thorny branches. The plant grows up to 6 meters high and 3 meters wide and has a dense, spreading canopy. The growth conditions for this plant are as follows:
Light
Strychnos triclisioides Baker is adapted to grow in full sun or partial shade. In its natural habitat, the plant grows in savannahs, woodlands, and forest edges. When grown indoors, the plant needs bright indirect light to thrive.
Temperature
The plant prefers warm and humid conditions. It can tolerate temperature ranges from 18°C to 33°C (65°F to 91°F) and is frost-sensitive. In regions with cold winters, the plant needs protection from frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining and fertile soil to grow. It thrives in soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it is important to note that the plant is sensitive to water-logging, and the soil must be well-draining to prevent root rot.
Watering
Strychnos triclisioides Baker requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not waterlogged. The plant is drought tolerant and can survive extended periods without water. However, prolonged drought can cause leaf drop and may weaken the plant.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. It is important to follow the recommended dosage to avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.
Propagation
The plant can be propagated using seeds, cuttings, or layering. Propagation by seed is relatively easy, but seeds can take several weeks to germinate. Cuttings should be taken from softwood in the early summer, and it is important to use rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
Cultivation methods
Strychnos triclisioides Baker, also known as the Natal orange, is a small tree or shrub that is native to South Africa. It can grow up to 4 meters high and thrives in warm and humid environments. To cultivate this plant, it is essential to plant it in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant can grow well in partial shade, but it also thrives in full sunlight.
Watering needs
The Natal orange plant requires frequent watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as this can damage the roots. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the dormant season, but the plant should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Fertilization
Applying fertilizer to the Natal orange plant can help it grow more robust and healthier. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every two to three months during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Over-fertilizing the plant can cause more harm than good, so it is essential to follow the instructions and apply the fertilizer sparingly.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for the Natal orange plant. The plant should be pruned regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. It is recommended to prune the plant during the dormant season, just before the onset of the growing season to promote new growth. The dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed regularly to keep the plant healthy and eliminate any potential threats.
Propagation of Strychnos triclisioides Baker
Propagation is the process of breeding new plants from existing plants. In the case of Strychnos triclisioides Baker, there are several ways to propagate the plant, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Seed Propagation
Propagating Strychnos triclisioides Baker from seed is an option, but it can be challenging. The seeds are usually collected from mature fruits and should be sown immediately. Scarification is necessary to break the seed dormancy, and it can be achieved by filing the seeds or rubbing them with sandpaper. After scarification, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight to soften their hard exocarp. Germination of the seeds can take up to several weeks or months under favorable conditions. Once the seedlings attain a height of 5-10 cm, they can be transplanted into individual bags or containers.
Cuttings Propagation
Strychnos triclisioides Baker can be propagated by stem cuttings, which is a more preferred method for vegetative propagation. Cuttings must be taken from a healthy mother plant, and the best time is during the growing season when wood is mature but still succulent. Semi-hardwood cuttings about 15 cm long with three nodes are preferred and rooting hormones may be used to improve the rooting process. The cuttings should be stuck in a mixture of sand, soil, and compost in a well-draining pot or seed tray. Cuttings must be kept moist but not soaked and should be placed in a sheltered place with high humidity and good ventilation. Roots develop in about 4-6 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted into individual bags or containers.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation option for Strychnos triclisioides Baker, but it requires more skill and attention to detail. This method involves wounding a portion of a stem and inducing new roots to form in the wounded section while still attached to the mother plant. The wounded section is covered with moist sphagnum moss or peat moss and wrapped with plastic to maintain moisture. After roots have formed, the stem is cut from the parent plant and transplant the rooted stem into a pot with a well-draining growing medium. Air layering is a slower process than cuttings or seed propagation, but it ensures the new plants are true to the parent plant’s characteristics.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos triclisioides Baker Plants
Strychnos triclisioides Baker is a tropical tree that is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties. To ensure optimal plant growth and productivity, it is important to prevent and manage any diseases or pests that could adversely affect the plants. Here are some common diseases and pests that could affect Strychnos triclisioides Baker plants and some suggested ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Leaf spot disease: This fungal disease is characterized by yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good hygiene by removing any infected leaves and branches and ensuring proper ventilation and sunlight for the plants. Fungicides can also be applied to the plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause twig blight, leaf spots, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, it is important to avoid overfertilizing and overwatering the plants, and to ensure good air circulation and sunlight. Fungicides can also be used to prevent and manage the disease.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: These small, white insects can infest the plant and cause it to lose its vigor. To manage mealybugs, it is important to remove any affected plant parts and to apply a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the plant to kill the insects.
Scales: These insects can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves and can be difficult to manage. To manage scales, it is important to remove any affected plant parts and to apply a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the plant to kill the insects. In severe cases, systemic insecticides may be necessary.
Mites: These small insects can cause leaf discoloration and spotting. To manage mites, it is important to keep the plant well-hydrated and to apply a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the plant to kill the insects.
By following these measures, it is possible to prevent and manage disease and pest problems for Strychnos triclisioides Baker plants, resulting in healthy and productive plants.
