Overview
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. Microcarpa Gilg is a medicinal plant species of the plant genus Strychnos. It is a native plant of Africa, primarily found in tropical regions of the Eastern parts of Africa such as Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Common Names
The plant species is commonly known as ‘Mkungu’ in Swahili and ‘Ntubu’ in Kamba language.
General Appearance
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 5 meters tall. The branches are often ending in tendrils. The bark is gray to brown in color and the leaves are simple, alternate and glabrous. The plant produces small, yellowish-green flowers, and a globose or ellipsoid fruit that is orange when ripe.
Uses
This plant is a primary source of alkaloids like strychnine and brucine, which are used to treat stomach problems, fever, and snake bites. In traditional African medicine, the plant is used as a tonic to improve appetite and a remedy for syphilis and malaria. In addition to being used in medicinal preparations, the plant is also used as a source of firewood and for fence posts.
Light Requirements
The Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg requires full sunlight exposure to grow properly. The plant needs at least six hours of sunlight every day. Lack of sunlight can lead to stunted growth and a weakened immune system that makes the plant susceptible to diseases.
Temperature Requirements
The Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg does well in warm temperatures. It thrives in temperatures between 20 °C to 30 °C (68 °F to 86 °F). If the temperature is too low, the plant may become weak and prone to pest attacks. Extremely high temperatures, on the other hand, can lead to leaf burn and dehydration.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining and nutrient-rich soil is an essential requirement for the Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg plant. The soil's pH level should range between 6.5 to 7.5. The plant does well in loamy soils that allow for adequate water retention and air circulation. The soil should also be free of any harmful pathogens and pests that can affect the plant's growth.
Cultivation methods for Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg requires well-draining soil that is loose and fertile. You can grow them in open fields, but it is best to plant them along the edges of forests or at the periphery of fields, where there is partial shade. The plant grows well in tropical and subtropical regions that experience moderate rainfall throughout the year. Make sure to avoid areas that are prone to flooding or waterlogging.
Watering needs for Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg
Water the plant deeply once a week. During dry periods, you may need to water it twice a week. When you water, make sure to pour the water directly onto the soil, avoiding the leaves and stem of the plant.
Fertilization for Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg
At planting time, add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil around the plant's roots. You can also fertilize the plant once every year using a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the roots, making sure not to touch the trunk or leaves of the plant. Too much fertilizer can harm the plant, so use it sparingly.
Pruning techniques for Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing and rubbing against each other. Prune the plant to maintain a balanced shape, but avoid over-pruning as this can harm the plant's growth.
Propagation of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg, commonly known as "mukungu" or "muchungu," is a valuable plant with various medicinal properties. This plant species is native to tropical Africa and belongs to the Loganiaceae family. The following are the primary propagation methods for S. unguacha var. microcarpa.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and practical method of propagating S. unguacha var. microcarpa. The seeds of this plant can be harvested from mature fruits and cleaned of their pulp and debris. After cleaning, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24-48 hours to soften the hard outer shell. Once the seeds have softened, they can be planted directly into the soil or in a seed tray. The best time for planting is the rainy season when the temperature is warm enough to support germination.
Cuttings propagation
An alternative method for propagating S. unguacha var. microcarpa is through vegetative propagation using cuttings. In this method, stem cuttings of about 5-20cm long are taken from a mature plant that is approximately three years old. The cuttings are preferably taken from the softwood part of the stem and should be free from disease and pests. After cutting, the lower sections of the cuttings are dipped into a rooting hormone before planting in a mixture of sand and compost. The rooting hormone is essential in facilitating the formation of roots. The cuttings should be kept in a moist environment and require adequate water for successful growth and development.
Suckers propagation
Another method of propagating S. unguacha var. microcarpa is through suckers. Suckers are small clones or young plants that grow from the root system of a mature plant. In this method, the suckers are detached from the mother plant and planted in a soil mixture. The transplanted suckers should be well-watered and kept in a shaded area for at least two weeks until they have successfully established.
The propagation of S. unguacha var. microcarpa requires patience and consistency in adhering to the recommended guidelines. Successful propagation leads to a steady supply of the plant, which is useful in primary healthcare, traditional medicine, and other applications.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. microcarpa Gilg, commonly known as "Manaca" or "Manaca-de-cheiro," is a plant species found mainly in Central and South America. While it is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant, it is still susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that you may encounter while growing S. unguacha, as well as some ways to manage them.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These small insects feed on the plant's sap, causing leaf damage and discoloration. You can manage spider mites by washing the plant with water regularly or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause considerable damage to the plant by feeding on its leaves, flowers, and fruits. You can manage caterpillars by manually removing them or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) pesticide.
Scale Insects: Scale insects attach themselves to the plant's stem and branches, sucking sap and causing stunted growth. You can control scale insects by applying an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or yellow spots on the plant's leaves. You can manage leaf spot by removing infected leaves and applying a fungicide.
Root Rot: Root rot is a bacterial or fungal disease that affects the plant's roots, causing wilting and stunted growth. You can manage root rot by ensuring that the soil is well-drained and avoiding over-watering the plant.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf drop and can eventually kill the plant. You can manage anthracnose by removing infected leaves and applying a fungicide.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves. You can manage powdery mildew by ensuring that the plant has adequate air circulation and applying a fungicide.
It is worth noting that prevention is always better than cure when it comes to pest and disease management. Maintaining good growing conditions like adequate irrigation, soil nutrition, and pruning can go a long way in keeping your plant healthy and resistant to diseases and pests.
