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Description
Strychnos Spinosa, also known as the green monkey orange, is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is native to Africa and can grow up to 10 meters tall. The tree has dark green leaves and produces small greenish-yellow flowers that grow in clusters. The fruit of the Strychnos Spinosa is a small round berry that is green when unripe and turns yellow when ripe. It is edible, but the seeds inside are toxic.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Loganiaceae |
| Genus | Strychnos |
Appearance
The Strychnos Spinosa has dark green leaves that are glossy and oval-shaped, growing up to 10cm long and 5cm wide. The tree produces small greenish-yellow flowers that grow in clusters and are about 1cm in diameter. The fruit of the Strychnos Spinosa is a small round berry that is green when unripe and turns yellow when ripe. The berry is about 1cm in diameter and contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
The Strychnos Spinosa is a hardy tree that requires minimal care. It prefers well-drained soil and needs to be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer should be applied once a year in the spring. The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The Strychnos Spinosa is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Strychnos Spinosa is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. The tree is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-drained and the tree is not overwatered.
Habitat
The Strychnos Spinosa is native to Africa and is found in various habitats, including savannas, woodlands, and forests. It can grow in a range of soils, from sandy to loamy, and prefers well-drained soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the fruit of the Strychnos Spinosa edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible, but the seeds inside are toxic.
Q: What are the common pests that affect the Strychnos Spinosa?
A: The common pests that affect the Strychnos Spinosa are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Q: What kind of soil does the Strychnos Spinosa prefer?
A: The Strychnos Spinosa prefers well-drained soil.
Q: In which USDA hardiness zones is the Strychnos Spinosa hardy?
A: The Strychnos Spinosa is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Related Plants
- Strychnos Cocculoides
- Strychnos Potatorum
- Strychnos Ignatii
- Strychnos Nux-vomica
References
- “Strychnos Spinosa.” World Agroforestry Centre. Accessed August 13, 2021. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Strychnos_spinosa.PDF.
- “Strychnos Spinosa.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed August 13, 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:54818-1.
- “Strychnos Spinosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 13, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282493.
