Contents
Description
Strychnos Pungens, commonly known as the spiny monkey orange or green monkey orange, is a small tree or shrub with a dense, thorny crown. It is native to Southern Africa and is known for its medicinal properties. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow fruit that is round and about 3-5 cm in diameter. It belongs to the Strychnos genus, which also includes the plant from which the deadly poison strychnine is derived.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Loganiaceae |
| Genus | Strychnos |
Appearance
The spiny monkey orange has a dense, thorny crown, which can make it a challenging plant to handle. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow fruit that is round and about 3-5 cm in diameter. The fruit has a hard, woody shell that is covered in sharp spines. The pulp inside the fruit is soft, juicy, and has a slightly sour taste.
Care Guide
Strychnos Pungens is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it requires specific care to thrive. Here are some essential care tips:
Water: The spiny monkey orange prefers well-draining soil and requires regular watering during the growing season. However, it can tolerate periods of drought once established.
Fertilization: Add a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruiting.
Soil: Strychnos Pungens prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy.
Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not produce fruit as easily.
Hardiness Zones: Strychnos Pungens is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 but can be grown as a container plant in colder zones.
Common Pests & Diseases
Strychnos Pungens is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs. It is also vulnerable to root rot if grown in poorly-draining soil. To prevent these issues, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and monitor it regularly for signs of pests.
Habitat
Strychnos Pungens is native to Southern Africa and is commonly found in savannas and woodlands. It prefers areas with well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Strychnos Pungens poisonous?
A: No, although the Strychnos genus includes a plant from which the deadly poison strychnine is derived, Strychnos Pungens is not poisonous.Q: Can Strychnos Pungens be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers, especially in colder zones where it may not be hardy.Q: Is Strychnos Pungens drought-tolerant?
A: This plant can tolerate periods of drought once established, but regular watering is necessary during the growing season.Q: Can Strychnos Pungens be propagated from seed?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated from seed, although it may take several years for the plant to produce fruit.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Strychnos genus:
- Strychnos Nux-vomica
- Strychnos Ignatii
- Strychnos Spinosa
References
- “Strychnos Pungens.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2021, www.plantzafrica.com/plantqs/strychnospung.htm.
- “Strychnos Pungens.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=242217.
- “Strychnos.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2021, www.britannica.com/plant/Strychnos.
