Origin
Argocoffea subcordata (Hiern) Lebrun var. claessensii (Lebrun) Lebrun, commonly known as the Wild Coffee, is a species of plant that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is commonly found in the humid forests of West and Central Africa, specifically in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo.
Common Names
Argocoffea subcordata is commonly referred to as Wild Coffee due to its resemblance to coffee plants. It is also known as Edible Coffee, Obah Coffee, and Bantu Coffee.
Uses
The Wild Coffee plant has a number of uses that have been utilized by locals in West and Central Africa. The leaves of this plant are used for medicinal purposes as they contain caffeine and have been known to help with stomach aches, fever, and migraines. The seeds of Argocoffea subcordata are edible and can be roasted and brewed as a coffee alternative. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance.
General Appearance
Argocoffea subcordata is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has a dense crown and a smooth bark. The leaves of this plant are simple, elliptical, and shiny. They are dark green in color and have a leathery texture. The flowers of the Wild Coffee plant are small, white, and fragrant. The fruit is a bright red drupe that contains two seeds, which can be roasted and brewed as a coffee alternative.
Light Requirements
Argocoffea subcordata (Hiern) Lebrun var. claessensii (Lebrun) Lebrun is a shade-loving plant that needs dappled sunlight or partial shade to thrive. It grows well under the canopy of taller trees in tropical forests or on plantations. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and cause them to wilt or scorch.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Argocoffea subcordata (Hiern) Lebrun var. claessensii (Lebrun) Lebrun is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold temperatures. The minimum temperature should not fall below 15°C, and the maximum should not exceed 35°C. If the temperature exceeds these limits, it can cause serious damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.0 to 6.5. It cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly aerated soils which can lead to root rot. The soil should be rich in organic matter with adequate nutrient content for optimal growth. A good soil mix that drains well, is rich in humus and contains nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium contribute to the healthy growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Argocoffea subcordata (Hiern) Lebrun var. claessensii (Lebrun) Lebrun can be grown in a variety of soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It requires full sun exposure for optimum growth, with temperatures between 24°C to 29°C. The plant is best propagated through seeds, which should be planted in individual containers.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is crucial to the growth of Argocoffea subcordata (Hiern) Lebrun var. claessensii (Lebrun) Lebrun. The plant prefers a humid environment but is sensitive to waterlogging. Therefore, planters should provide regular but moderate watering to ensure that the plant's soil is evenly moist. During dry spells, more water should be given to keep the soil consistent.
Fertilization
The use of fertilizer is highly recommended for Argocoffea subcordata (Hiern) Lebrun var. claessensii (Lebrun) Lebrun to provide the nutrients it needs. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 can be used. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, and the amount used should be based on the plant's growth.
Pruning
Pruning should be done at the end of the growing season to remove dead wood and keep the plant healthy. Young plants should be pruned to form a single stem with a central leader. The main stem should be staked to enhance the plant's growth and support its structure. Once the plant is established, it can be pruned into a bushy form that will help provide more shade for the coffee beans.
Propagation of Argocoffea subcordata var. claessensii
Argocoffea subcordata var. claessensii can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Sexual Propagation
Argocoffea subcordata var. claessensii is a self-incompatible plant, which means that cross-pollination must occur between different plants for successful fertilization. The plant produces fruits that contain seeds. To propagate the plant sexually, the seeds are collected from ripe fruits, dried, and then sown into a suitable soil mix. The seedlings will grow and develop into mature plants.
Asexual Propagation
Argocoffea subcordata var. claessensii can also be propagated asexually through different methods, including stem cuttings and layering. The stem cutting method involves taking a length of stem from a healthy, mature plant and planting it into a suitable rooting medium. The cutting will develop roots and eventually grow into a new plant.
The layering method involves bending a low branch of the plant and making a small cut in the bark. The cut is then covered with rooting hormone and held in place with a U-shaped wire or a small rock. The branch is left for several months to allow roots to develop from the cut. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut and planted into a suitable potting medium.
Disease Management
Argocoffea subcordata (Hiern) Lebrun var. claessensii (Lebrun) Lebrun is a type of coffee plant that is susceptible to various diseases. The following are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Coffee Leaf Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow-orange spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and destroy them. Additionally, use fungicides to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Coffee Berry Disease: This is another fungal disease that causes the coffee berries to rot. To manage this disease, remove the infected berries and destroy them. Additionally, apply fungicides to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Phoma Leaf Spot: This disease causes black or dark-brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and destroy them. Additionally, use fungicides to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Anthracnose: This disease causes the berries to develop sunken lesions. To manage this disease, remove the infected berries and destroy them. Additionally, apply fungicides to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Argocoffea subcordata (Hiern) Lebrun var. claessensii (Lebrun) Lebrun is also susceptible to various pests. The following are some of the common pests that might affect the plant:
- Coffee Berry Borer: This pest lays eggs inside the coffee berries, causing them to rot. To manage this pest, remove and destroy the infected berries. Additionally, use insecticides to prevent further infestation.
- Antestia Bug: This pest feeds on the coffee berries, causing them to develop holes. To manage this pest, remove and destroy the affected berries. Additionally, use insecticides to prevent further infestation.
- Coffee Mealybug: This pest feeds on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth. To manage this pest, remove and destroy the affected parts of the plant. Additionally, use insecticides to prevent further infestation.
- Leaf Miner: This pest feeds on the leaves, causing white and yellow patches. To manage this pest, remove and destroy the affected leaves. Additionally, use insecticides to prevent further infestation.
