Overview:
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is native to eastern and southern Africa and found in countries like Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Kenya. The plant is also referred to by other common names such as ibhubesi, matundatu, and ubhubhane.
Appearance:
The plant has a grayish-brown bark and grows up to 4-6 meters tall. The leaves are simple, alternate, obovate, and measure about 4-18 cm long and 2.5-8.5 cm wide. The plant bears small, white or cream-colored, tubular flowers that are about 1 cm long and arranged in axillary or terminal cymes. The fruit is a globose berry that is 3-5 cm in diameter and has a smooth or finely hairy surface. The fruit contains numerous seeds, which are covered with red arils.
Uses:
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. has various uses in traditional medicine. The plant's roots, bark, and leaves are used in the treatment of various ailments such as fever, coughs, and gastrointestinal disorders. The plant is reported to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The plant's fruit is also used as a source of food and is edible after boiling or roasting. However, caution is necessary, as the fruit may contain toxic compounds.
In addition to its medicinal and food uses, Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. has potential commercial uses. The plant's bark contains alkaloids like strychnine and brucine, which have pharmacological and poisonous properties. These alkaloids are used in the production of drugs and pesticides.
Overall, despite having some uses, the plant is not commonly cultivated or used on a large scale due to its highly toxic nature. It should only be used with caution and the advice of a healthcare professional.
Light Requirements
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. typically grows in full sun to partial shade conditions. However, it thrives in areas with high levels of direct sunlight, where it can easily access the light it needs to photosynthesize.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. is between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate both high and low temperatures, but it is mostly found growing in areas with moderate temperatures. Extreme temperatures can cause the leaves to dry out, and the plant may gradually cease from growing.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. grows best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil must have good fertility levels, moisture retention, and appropriate nutrient balance. The plant thrives in soils such as sandy loam, loamy sand, sandy clay loam, or clay loam. However, it cannot grow well in soils that are waterlogged or poorly drained.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. is a hardy plant that prefers growing in full sunlight or partially shaded conditions. It is highly tolerant to a wide range of soil types and can grow in acidic, alkaline, and neutral soils. However, the plant does not grow well in waterlogged soils.
The plant can be propagated through seed germination, stem cuttings, and layering. Growing the plant from seeds is the most common method. The seeds must be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing in well-drained soil. Seedlings should be transplanted into larger containers once they have grown four or five leaves.
Watering Needs
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. requires moderate watering. The soil must be kept moist at all times, but not waterlogged. Water the plant once or twice a week during the growing season, and reduce the frequency during the winter months.
Regular irrigation is essential for ensuring optimum growth and productivity of the plant. Do not allow the soil to fully dry out, as this can cause the plant to wilt and become stunted.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to maximize growth and productivity. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium once every three months. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant and water thoroughly to ensure proper absorption.
Organic fertilizers like compost, manure, or bone meal can also be used to fertilize the plant. These organic fertilizers can be added every two to three months, and they provide a slow release of nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. does not require extensive pruning, but it may benefit from occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged branches and promote new growth. Prune the plant in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges.
Pruning should be done using sharp, clean pruning shears. The plant should be pruned to maintain its natural shape and form. Avoid over-pruning, as this can damage the plant and reduce productivity.
Regular pruning can also help to promote air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal infections and other diseases.
Propagation of Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov.
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. can be propagated through various methods such as:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are an effective and economical way of propagating Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. The seeds can be obtained from the mature fruits of the plant. Fruits should be allowed to ripen and dry completely before harvesting the seeds.
Before sowing the seeds, they should be soaked in water for approximately 24 hours to enhance the chances of germination. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and kept moist until the seedlings emerge. Seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they have grown to a height of 10 cm.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. The cuttings should be obtained from mature trees during the dormant season. Semi-hardwood cuttings of about 10-15 cm long are ideal for this method.
Cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting them in well-drained soil. They should be covered with polythene bags to create a humid environment to aid in root formation. The bags should be removed after a few weeks when the roots have developed.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation is a method used to propagate Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. The stem is incised in the middle about 1 cm wide and wrapped with an appropriate rooting medium such as sawdust or sphagnum moss. The rooting medium is kept moist until the roots develop.
The layer should be separated from the mother plant once sufficient roots have developed. The separated layer should be planted in a well-drained soil and kept moist until it establishes.
Overall, propagating Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov. using one of the methods mentioned can guarantee a successful process of generating more plants for cultivation.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov.
Strychnos unguacha A.Rich. var. retusa Chiov., commonly known as the snake wood tree, is a plant species that is native to the tropical areas of Africa. Like other plants, the snake wood tree is prone to diseases and pests, which can significantly affect its growth and productivity. As such, it is essential to know the common diseases and pests that affect this plant and the ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
The snake wood tree is susceptible to various diseases, such as:
- Canker disease: This disease causes sunken spots on the plant's bark, and eventually, the bark falls off, leading to the death of the plant. The disease is caused by fungal pathogens, and it can be managed by applying fungicides and pruning the affected parts of the plant.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew causes the plant's leaves to develop white, powdery patches. The disease is caused by fungal pathogens and can be controlled by applying fungicides and maintaining the proper humidity levels around the plant.
- Root rot: This disease causes the plant's roots to rot, leading to the plant's death. The disease is caused by waterlogged soil and can be prevented by avoiding overwatering the plant and ensuring that the soil is well-draining.
Common Pests
The snake wood tree is also susceptible to various pests, such as:
- Scale insects: These pests suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and drop. Infested plants appear to have small, raised bumps on their leaves, and they can be managed by applying insecticides or using natural methods such as spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap.
- Spider mites: Spider mites feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and browning of the leaves. These pests are tiny and difficult to spot, but they can be managed by maintaining proper humidity levels around the plant and applying insecticides.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the plant's leaves, causing large holes and defoliation. They can be managed by picking them off the plant by hand or applying insecticides.
In conclusion, the snake wood tree is prone to various diseases and pests, which can significantly affect its growth and productivity. It is essential to identify the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and use appropriate measures to manage them, such as applying fungicides and insecticides, maintaining appropriate humidity levels, and avoiding overwatering the plant.
