Arrow poison plant - Acokanthera schimperi

Description and Uses

Acokanthera schimperi (Arrow poison plant) is a tropical plant from East Africa. It is mainly grown for its poison herbicide crops (long shelflife), The crop is harvested by hand picking. It starts flowering after 7 - 9 years. After 25 years the plant can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Acokanthera schimperi has a lifespan of 35 years.

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Environmental limitations

The plant is 7 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Acokanthera schimperi has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen.

Acokanthera schimperi thrives in an altitude of 1100 to 2400 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 1°C and optimally between 17 - 26°C. The optimal rainfall is 900 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 400 - 1000 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of loam.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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