Overview of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dysophylla (Benth.) Gilg
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dysophylla (Benth.) Gilg is a tree species belonging to the family Loganiaceae. It is commonly known as "Yungas Yvyra" or "Barbasco" and is mainly found in the northern regions of South America, particularly in Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay.
General Appearance
This tree species typically grows up to a height of 15 meters and has a trunk diameter of about 70 cm. The bark of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dysophylla is gray-brown in color and has a rough texture. The leaves are obovate and have a glossy surface with a slightly rough texture. The flowers of this species are small, green, and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a capsule and has a woody texture, with a diameter of about 5 cm.
Uses
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dysophylla has a variety of medicinal uses. The bark, leaves, and roots of this plant contain various alkaloids, such as strychnine and brucine which have been used traditionally for its antidote property. This plant is also used as an antipyretic, antidiarrheal and febrifuge in traditional medicine. The bark of the plant has been used to treat snake bites by indigenous people. Additionally, the fruit of the plant is used by locals to make fish poison for fishing.
In conclusion, Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dysophylla (Benth.) Gilg is an important tree species with a variety of medicinal uses. It has a unique and interesting appearance and can be easily identified by its distinctive leaves and fruit. Although it is not widely cultivated, it plays an important role in traditional medicine and in the livelihoods of indigenous people.
Light Conditions
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dysophylla (Benth.) Gilg thrives best in full sunlight. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Lack of sufficient sunlight may negatively affect plant growth and fruit yield.
Temperature Conditions
The ideal temperature range for Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dysophylla (Benth.) Gilg is between 15°C to 25°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 30°C; however, temperatures outside the ideal range may affect fruit production or even cause the death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. Sandy loam or loamy soils are ideal for optimal growth. It is necessary to avoid poorly drained soils, as this can result in root rot and the eventual death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dysophylla (Benth.) Gilg, commonly known as "Yabebyry," is a small tree that is native to South America. To cultivate this plant, you can either grow it from seeds or propagate it from cuttings.
If you are growing from seeds, make sure to place them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep them moist but not waterlogged to avoid suffocating the roots. It takes about two to three weeks for the seeds to germinate. If you want to propagate from cuttings, take a four to six-inch cutting from the tree's mature growth and plant it in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Maintain the soil moisture and place the cutting where there’s bright but indirect sunlight.
Watering Needs
As Yabebyry grows, it's important to maintain consistent moisture in the soil during its active growing season, which is from spring to fall. The soil should never dry out completely, but you must also avoid overwatering as it makes the roots rot. An appropriate schedule will require watering once a week, but it may depend on the climate of your location. During the winter dormant cycle, reduce watering significantly to avoid root rot.
Fertilization
To achieve a healthy Strychnos unguacha plant, offer it appropriate nutrients. Fertilizing twice a year helps maximize growth and strength. You can either utilize a balanced all-purpose fertilizer or 1-2 tablespoons of slow-release granular fertilizer. Add the fertilizer to the soil surrounding the plant in a circle about eight inches from the trunk, and do this during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning your Strychnos unguacha plant will help maintain its shape and growth. Yabebyry benefits from pruning in early spring before the active growth season begins. You can trim diseased, dead, or damaged branches as soon as you spot them. Trim up to 25% of the tree in one growing season to avoid harming the plant's health, aesthetic or growth. For best results, use a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears, and ensure you cut the branches cleanly to avoid tearing their bark.
Propagation of Strychnos unguacha var. dysophylla
Strychnos unguacha var. dysophylla can be propagated through different methods, which include:
Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common for this plant species. However, its seeds usually have a slow and erratic germination rate. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits, and they should be planted in well-draining soil. Before planting, the seeds' hard seed coat should be scarified or pre-treated to improve germination. Scarification can be done mechanically or chemically.
Cuttings
The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take the cuttings is during the growing season. Select a healthy plant and take a cutting that has at least three nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Strychnos unguacha var. dysophylla. This method involves creating a small wound on a stem, applying rooting hormone, and then wrapping it in a moist medium to encourage root development. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut and planted in well-draining soil.
Overall, proper care and attention should be given to the propagated plant to ensure successful growth and development.
Disease management
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dysophylla (Benth.) Gilg may suffer from various diseases that can reduce its yield and quality. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Root rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that causes wilting, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant. The infected roots appear black or dark brown and become soft or mushy. One way to manage root rot is to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease. You can also use fungicides to control the disease.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can cause deformation, stunting, and premature death of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant parts. You can also use fungicides or sulfur to control the disease.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes irregularly shaped spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. The spots may appear tan or brown and have pink or orange edges. The infected leaves may drop prematurely, and the stems may have cankers. To manage anthracnose, remove the infected plant parts and improve air circulation. You can also use fungicides to control the disease.
Pest management
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. dysophylla (Benth.) Gilg may also attract various pests that can damage the plant. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, stippling, and premature leaf drop. To manage spider mites, prune and remove the affected plant parts and ensure proper air circulation. You can also use insecticides or horticultural oils to control the pests.
Scale insects
Scale insects are hard, waxy pests that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, remove the pests mechanically or with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol. You can also use insecticides or horticultural oils to control the pests.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are larvae of butterflies and moths that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing holes, chewed edges, and defoliation. To manage caterpillars, remove the affected plant parts and manually pick them off. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis or insecticides to control the pests.
