Origin and Common Names
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg is a plant species that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical Africa, particularly in Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, and Tanzania. This plant is commonly known as "Mtie wa moshi" in Swahili and "Muti-wa-mpaka" in Zulu.
Appearance
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows up to 15 meters tall. It has a dense, spreading crown and a straight trunk that can reach up to 30 centimeters in diameter. The bark is grayish-brown, with shallow, irregular fissures and prominent lenticels. The leaves are opposite, elliptic to ovate, and measure 6-20 cm long and 3-15 cm wide. They are glossy green on the upper surface and slightly lighter on the lower surface, with a prominent midrib and lateral veins. The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers that are clustered in axillary umbels. The fruit is a globose drupe that measures about 3-4 cm in diameter, with a thin, leathery rind and a hard, woody endocarp that encloses up to four seeds.
Uses
The bark and roots of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg contain a variety of alkaloids, including strychnine, brucine, and isostrychnopentamine. These compounds have potent toxic effects on the central nervous system and are used in traditional medicine for their therapeutic properties. The bark and roots are traditionally used to treat various ailments, including malaria, fever, and gastrointestinal disorders. The seeds are also used as fish poison and to stupefy game animals during hunting. In addition, the wood of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg is hard and durable, making it suitable for making tool handles, furniture, and other woodworking applications.
Light Requirements
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg typically grows best in areas with bright, indirect sunlight. However, it can also tolerate partial shade. Too much direct sunlight can harm the plant and cause its leaves to scorch.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm temperatures. It should be grown in an environment where the temperature ranges from at least 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius are harmful to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Soils that are excessively wet or heavy should be avoided as they can cause the plant's roots to rot. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6-7.5
Cultivation
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It can be grown in various types of soils, including well-draining sandy, loam, or clay soils. Plant the seeds or cuttings in a well-prepared bed with organic matter and cover lightly with soil. The plant needs good sunlight and protection from strong winds.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water it deeply at least once a week or twice a week during the dry season. However, be cautious not to excessively water the plant. Overwatering causes root rot and other fungal diseases that can kill the plant.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium after planting and every six to eight weeks during the growing season. You can also use organic fertilizers such as compost, manure or bone meal to enrich the soil around the plant. Avoid applying fertilizers during the winter months as the plant growth rate slows.
Pruning
Pruning Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg is necessary to encourage bushy growth, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve the quality of fruit production. Prune only after the plant has established itself, usually after the second year. When pruning, avoid cutting too close to the branches as this can damage the plant. Cut at an angle just above the node where the next branch is emerging.
Propagation of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg, commonly known as the Natal orange, is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. This plant is native to southern Africa and is cultivated for its medicinal properties and ornamental value. Propagation of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg can be done through several methods which include:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg is through seed propagation. The seeds are collected from ripe fruits and planted in well-draining soil in a nursery bed. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and spaced 10-15 cm apart. It is recommended to use a seedling mix that is composed of one part compost to three parts sand or perlite. The seedlings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, sheltered location until they are ready to be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg can also be done through cuttings. Stem, root or leaf cuttings can be taken from a mature plant and planted directly into a rooting medium composed of sand or perlite. Rooting hormone can be applied to enhance the chances of success. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until roots start to form. Once roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted into pots or directly into the ground.
Suckers propagation
Suckers propagation is another method used for propagating Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg. The suckers are young shoots that grow from the roots of a mature plant. These can be dug up and replanted in a nursery bed or directly in the ground. It is important to make sure that the suckers have a good root system before they are transplanted.
In conclusion, Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg can be propagated through seed propagation, cuttings propagation and suckers propagation. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on the gardener's preferences and resources.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg is a medicinal plant that has been utilized for its therapeutic properties in different indigenous communities. Like any other plant, it is vulnerable to a range of pests and diseases that can have a significant impact on its growth and yield. To maintain the health and wellbeing of the Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg, it is essential to implement measures to manage these pests and diseases effectively.
Common diseases affecting Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg is known to be afflicted by several diseases, which include:
- Phytophthora root rot: This fungal disease is spread by water and can cause stem and root rot in the plant. Infected plants can exhibit wilting of leaves and stem, yellowing of foliage, and poor growth. To manage this disease, it is essential to avoid waterlogging and to practice crop rotation.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that occurs in conditions of high humidity and poor air circulation. The disease is characterized by the appearance of a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant, which can lead to leaf drop and poor growth. To manage this disease, it is crucial to avoid overcrowding of plants, provide adequate ventilation, and practice good hygiene.
- Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that can cause the leaves of the plant to wilt and die. The disease can also cause stem cankers, and if left unmanaged, can lead to the death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is essential to avoid over-fertilization and to practice crop rotation.
Common pests affecting Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg is also vulnerable to several pests, which include:
- Scale insects: Scale insects can cause leaves to yellow and drop and damage the stem and bark of the plant. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold. To manage scale insects, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Mites: Mites are tiny spider-like pests that can cause leaf discoloration, webbing, and damage the growth of the plant. To manage mites, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Leaf miners: Leaf miners can create tunnels within the leaves of the plant and cause significant damage to the foliage. To manage leaf miners, remove infected leaves and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
It is important to practice regular monitoring of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. polyantha Gilg to ensure early detection and management of any pests and diseases. Incorporating cultural practices such as crop rotation, good hygiene, and avoiding over-fertilization can also help prevent disease and pest infestations in the plant.
