Origin of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg is a plant species belonging to the family Loganiaceae. The plant is native to tropical Africa, specifically occurring in Tanzania and Kenya.
Common Names of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg
The plant is known by several common names such as Dschoiridi, Msaidizi, Muhunda, Muganiko, Muangala, and Mlambakilisha.
Uses of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg is used for a variety of purposes in traditional African medicine. The bark and root of the plant have been used to treat various conditions such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, and ulcers. The stem and leaves are also used to treat fever and stomachache.
In addition, Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg has been used as a source of fiber for making ropes and baskets. The wood of the plant is hard and dense, making it useful for carving and making tools.
General Appearance of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg
The plant is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 10 meters in height. The bark is grayish-brown and rough, with deep fissures. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, measuring about 5-12 cm in length. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and occur in clusters. The fruits are small, round, and yellowish, containing several seeds.
The plant has a bitter taste and astringent odor, due to the presence of strychnine and brucine alkaloids, which are toxic in high doses.
Light Requirements
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg requires high light intensity for optimal growth. It thrives best under full sun exposure, although it can tolerate partial shade. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is necessary for proper growth. Lack of adequate light results in stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to grow in warm temperatures. It grows best in a temperature range of 18°C to 25°C. Temperatures outside this range can affect growth, with lower temperatures affecting the flowering process. Frost can be fatal to the plant, so it is recommended to protect it during winter months.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives best in well-drained, loamy soil, preferably with a pH of 5 to 8. It is susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases if planted in waterlogged soil. The soil should also be rich in nutrients, with a good amount of organic matter. Regular fertilization is necessary to maintain the soil's fertility levels. Additionally, the plant is sensitive to heavy metal toxicity, so the soil should be checked for such toxicities before planting.
Cultivation
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg is primarily grown in tropical climates, where it can reach a height of up to 10 meters. To cultivate this plant, it needs a warm and moist environment with well-draining soil. While it is adaptable, it prefers sunny locations with some partial shade. It is a fast-growing plant and can be propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Watering Needs
Watering the plant is essential to ensure proper growth and development. Regular watering is necessary, especially during the dry season. The plant requires enough water to keep the soil moist, and it is recommended to water it frequently but avoid waterlogging. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to maintain proper drainage and moisture levels.
Fertilization
To ensure proper growth and development of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg, it is essential to fertilize it regularly. It needs a balanced compound fertilizer once every 3-4 months. Fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the plant and spread evenly. It is essential to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packet carefully.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep the plant in shape and maintain its health. The ideal time for pruning is during the winter months when the plant is dormant. It is recommended to prune the plant back to the desired shape and size. Dead or damaged branches should be pruned to prevent the spread of disease. Proper pruning will help the plant develop new growth and improve flowering and fruiting.
Propagation of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg
The plant Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg can be propagated via seeds and stem cuttings. However, seed propagation is the most common and popular method used for propagating this plant.
Seed Propagation
Seeds should be collected from the plant during the dry season. The seeds should be stored for a few days until they become fully mature and then sown in seed trays or pots filled with a mixture of fertile soil and compost. The soil should be kept moist and warm until the seeds germinate. Time taken for germination is about 20 days.
After germination, the seedlings should be kept in partially shaded areas to provide enough sunlight. The young plants should be protected from direct sunlight as it may damage them. They can be transferred into individual pots or re-potted when they grow to become too large for their current pot. This should be done with care to avoid damaging the young stems of the plants. Once the plants have outgrown the pots or seed trays, they can be transplanted into the field.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagation by stem cuttings is less common, as this method takes longer than seed propagation and requires more care. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of mature stems, and they should be about 10 cm long. The cuttings should be put in a rooting hormone mixture, then planted in a mixture of fertile soil and compost. Care should be taken to ensure that the soil doesn't become too wet or too dry, as this can cause the cuttings to die.
After planting, the cuttings should be kept in a warm and moist environment; the cover can be used to maintain humidity. It may take up to several months for roots to emerge from the cuttings and start growing. Once the cuttings have rooted, they should be moved to individual pots or re-potted when their roots start becoming entangled. These plants are just as delicate as seedlings and require the same level of care.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg Plant
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg is a tropical plant known for its medicinal properties. Keeping the plant disease and pest-free is crucial for its healthy growth and survival. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Powdery Mildew: It is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg. It presents as a white powdery substance that covers the leaves and stems, and it usually occurs in humid and moist conditions. To manage this disease, you can spray a solution of neem oil and water or a mixture of baking soda, soap, and water on the affected plant parts.
Leaf Spot: It is a fungal disease that presents as black or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by excessive moisture, and it can be prevented by pruning diseased leaves and maintaining proper watering practices.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on plant juices, causing distorted and discolored leaves. They also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts other pests. You can manage them by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: They are tiny insects that thrive in hot and dry conditions, and they usually appear as yellow or white spots on the leaves. You can manage them by spraying the plant with a mixture of water, neem oil, and garlic.
Caterpillars: They are common pests that feed on the leaves of the Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg plant. You can manage them by handpicking them or spraying the plant with a solution of Bacillus thuringiensis.
In conclusion, preventing and managing diseases and pests is important for the healthy growth and survival of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dschurica Gilg plant. Adopting proper watering practices, pruning affected plant parts, and using natural remedies can help in managing these issues.
