Overview of Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl.
Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. is a tree that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is commonly known as the "poison rope" or "bitter bush." The plant is native to East Africa and can be found in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The plant thrives in dry regions and can be found growing in rocky areas, savannahs, and dry forests.
Appearance of Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl.
The Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height. The tree has a round crown and a rough bark, which is light brown in color. The leaves of the Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. are simple, alternate, and have an elliptic shape. They are glossy green and have a leathery texture. The tree produces small and fragrant white flowers that are arranged in axillary inflorescences. The fruit of the tree is a globose berry that is green when unripe and turns yellow when mature. The fruit contains seeds that are surrounded by an orange fleshy layer.
Uses of Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl.
The Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. has been used for both medicinal and non-medicinal purposes. The tree's bark and roots are used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. The bark contains alkaloids such as strychnine and brucine, which are used to treat paralysis, rheumatism, and convulsions. The plant's roots are used to treat stomach aches, toothaches, and snake bites.
The wood of the Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. is dense and hard and is used to make furniture, tool handles, and fence posts. The tree is also used for reforestation purposes in areas that have been degraded or eroded.
Despite its usefulness, the Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. is a poisonous plant that can be fatal if ingested in large doses. The plant's seeds and fruit contain high levels of strychnine and brucine, which are highly toxic and can cause respiratory failure, seizures, and death.
Light Requirements
Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. is a plant that grows well in areas with full sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight is preferred, and it is recommended that the plant receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. The plant is not well-suited to areas that lack sufficient sunlight, and growth may be stunted or slowed in such conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. is between 25°C and 30°C. The plant can tolerate slightly colder temperatures, but growth may be slow, and the plant may become more susceptible to diseases. Similarly, higher temperatures can be detrimental to the plant, particularly if they are maintained over extended periods.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. thrives in a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil must be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. It is advisable to add a layer of organic mulch to the soil to help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature cool. Proper soil moisture is critical to the successful growth of the plant, and the soil must be kept evenly moist throughout the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl., commonly known as Poison arrow tree or Mkangazi in Swahili, is a slow-growing tree that belongs to the Logania family. It is native to East and Central Africa, commonly found in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. This tree prefers a tropical climate that has a temperature range between 22°C to 30°C. It grows well in a well-drained soil that has a pH of between 5.5-7.2 and requires partial shade for optimal growth. The propagation method used in growing S. volkensii is through seed or stem cutting, and the germination period can take up to 6 weeks.
Watering Needs
Strychnos volkensii requires moderate watering, especially during the dry season. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging and root rot, while underwatering can cause leaves to wilt and dry off. This plant prefers well-draining soil that retains moisture but allows excess water to drain away. It is recommended to water the plant once or twice a week and to ensure that the soil does not dry out completely. During the rainy season, reduce the watering to avoid root rot. It is advisable to water the plants early in the morning before the sun is too hot to reduce evaporation.
Fertilization
Feeding Strychnos volkensii is essential to promote vigorous growth and flowering. Use organic fertilizers high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant. It is recommended to apply a slow-release fertilizer once every six months to encourage optimal growth. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup, which can harm the plant's roots.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Strychnos volkensii is necessary to remove dead and diseased wood and maintain its shape. The ideal time to prune is during the dormant season when the plant has lost its leaves. Avoid pruning during the rainy season as this can result in waterlogging or fungal infection. When pruning, use sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease and ensure useful pruning cuts that do not damage the plant.
Propagation Methods for Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl.
Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. is a dioecious plant species, which means that there are distinct male and female plants. The plant is mainly propagated through the use of seeds, cuttings, and grafting techniques, among others.
1. Seed Propagation
Collect fully ripened fruits from healthy mother plants and extract the seeds. Wash the seeds with water and dry in the shade. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil mixed with sand or perlite. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep moist. Germination should occur after 2-4 weeks.
2. Cutting Propagation
Seasoned cuttings of about 20-25 cm in length and with at least three nodes can be used for propagation. Treat the cuttings with rooting hormone and plant them in beds filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Rooting should occur after a few weeks.
3. Grafting Propagation
Grafting involves joining a scion from the desired plant onto a rootstock of another plant of the same family. This method produces plants with desirable traits, including disease resistance or improved growth rate. Grafting should be done when the plants are dormant for best results. Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. can be grafted using both budding and cleft grafting techniques.
Propagation of Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. requires proper care and maintenance for successful results. It is also essential to ensure that the mother plant is healthy to avoid the spread of diseases to the new seedlings or cuttings.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl.
Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl., commonly known as the African Snakewood, is a tree species native to Africa that has been used for different purposes including traditional medicine and timber. In order to maintain healthy S. volkensii trees, it is important to implement proper disease and pest management strategies. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant along with suggested ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular to irregular brown or black lesions on leaves. The spots may occur anywhere on the leaf surface and may sometimes merge to form larger spots. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead watering and apply fungicides.
Phytophthora root rot: Phytophthora root rot is a soil-borne disease that affects the roots of plants. The disease causes the roots to rot, causing the tree to wilt and eventually die. To manage phytophthora root rot, remove and destroy infected plants, avoid overwatering, and improving soil drainage.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes circular brown lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts, prune trees to improve air circulation, and apply fungicides.
Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of plants, causing leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, use a strong stream of water to wash them off, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars feed on leaves and young shoots, causing extensive damage to the tree. To manage caterpillars, remove the affected parts of the tree, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or other insecticides, or introduce natural predators such as parasitoid wasps.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from leaves, causing them to curl and distort. They also produce honeydew that attracts ants and sooty mold. To manage aphids, use a strong stream of water to wash them off, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
By implementing proper disease and pest management strategies, Strychnos volkensii Gilg ex Engl. trees can be kept healthy and productive.
