Strychnos spinosa
TAXONOMY
FamilyLoganiaceae
GenusStrychnos
Zone10
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Strychnos spinosa, commonly known as the Spiny Monkey Orange, is a shrub or small tree native to seasonally dry tropical climates in Africa. It belongs to the family Loganiaceae and the genus Strychnos. The plant produces edible fruits and has a dormancy period during the dry season. It is known for its spiny branches and hard, woody structure.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Kaffir-Orange
Monkey-Orange
Natal-Orange
Spiny Monkey Orange
Brehmia spinosa
Strychnos buettneri
Strychnos cardiophylla
Strychnos carvalhoi
Strychnos courtetii
Strychnos cuneifolia
Strychnos djalonis
Strychnos emarginata
Strychnos euryphylla
Strychnos flacurtii
Strychnos gilletii
Strychnos gracillima
Strychnos gracillima var. paucispinosa
Strychnos harmsii
Strychnos laxa
Strychnos leiosepala
Strychnos lokua
Strychnos megalocarpa
Strychnos miniungansamba
Strychnos mueghe
Strychnos omphalocarpa
Strychnos pluvialis
Strychnos radiosperma
Strychnos rhombifolia
Strychnos sansibariensis
Strychnos schweinfurthii
Strychnos spinosa subsp. lokua
Strychnos spinosa subsp. spinosa
Strychnos spinosa var. pubescens
Strychnos tonga
Strychnos unguacha var. retusa
Strychnos volkensii
Strychnos vuntac
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Strychnos spinosa thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers moderate temperatures. It can tolerate dry conditions but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. The plant does well in moderate humidity and should be protected from frost.Soil
The Spiny Monkey Orange prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but thrives best in soil with moderate nutrient concentration. Ensure the soil dries out almost completely between waterings to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant.Repotting
Repot the plant during the early growing season if it outgrows its container. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, trim any damaged roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Strychnos spinosa can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. For cuttings, take semi-hardwood cuttings during the growing season and plant them in a well-draining soil mix.Pruning
Prune the plant during the dormant season to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts and promote healthy growth.Toxicity
Strychnos spinosa is toxic to pets and humans. The seeds contain strychnine, a potent toxin that can cause severe poisoning if ingested. Handle the plant with care and keep it out of reach of children and pets.Additional
The Spiny Monkey Orange is valued for its edible fruits, which are rich in vitamin C. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for various ailments. Despite its toxicity, it is an important species in its native habitat.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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