Cephaelis Guineensis (schnell) Schnell

Overview

Cephaelis guineensis (Schnell) Schnell, also known as West African coffee or simply African coffee, is a flowering shrub native to tropical Africa. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which also includes coffee and quinine.

Description

The plant grows up to 2.5 meters tall and has a slender stem, with opposite leaves that are shiny green and ovate in shape. The flowers are small and white, arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small red berry that contains two seeds, which are used to make a coffee-like beverage.

Common Names

Aside from West African coffee and African coffee, Cephaelis guineensis is known by various local names, including kouin-kouin in Ivory Coast, m'bunga in Congo, and borofa in Sierra Leone.

Uses

The seeds of Cephaelis guineensis are used to make a coffee substitute or additive in West Africa. The seeds are roasted, ground, and brewed like coffee, and the resultant beverage has a bitter but pleasant taste. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including gastrointestinal disorders, fever, and malaria.

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Light Requirements

Cephaelis guineensis is a shade-loving plant that thrives in diffused or filtered light. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight as it can damage the foliage and cause sunburn. Partial shade or dappled shade is the best light condition for its optimal growth.

Temperature Requirements

The temperature requirements of Cephaelis guineensis depend on the geographical location where it is grown. In its natural habitat, the optimum temperature is between 22°C to 32°C, but it can tolerate a temperature range of 12°C to 38°C. The plant does not do well in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations or frost.

Soil Requirements

Cephaelis guineensis grows best in well-draining soils with high organic matter content. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should retain moisture without becoming waterlogged as it can lead to root rot. Sandy loam, loamy soil, or clay-loam soil with good drainage is suitable for this plant.

Cultivation Methods for Cephaelis guineensis (Schnell) Schnell

Cephaelis guineensis (Schnell) Schnell, commonly known as African coffee, is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It requires well-draining soil, and it's best to grow it in a mixture of peat moss, sand, and perlite.

It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. If growing from seeds, soak them in water for 24 hours to help break their dormancy before planting them. Cuttings can be taken from the plant's stem or branches and put into rooting hormone before planting them.

African coffee likes bright but indirect light, and it's best to keep it under a shade cloth or in a well-lit room away from direct sunlight. For optimal growth, the temperature should hover around 20-25 degrees Celsius.

Watering Needs for Cephaelis guineensis (Schnell) Schnell

Caring for Cephaelis guineensis (Schnell) Schnell includes providing it with enough water to prevent the soil from drying out. The plant should be watered regularly but not overwatered to avoid waterlogging the soil, which can lead to root rot.

The amount of water required will vary depending on the temperature and humidity levels. During the hot summer months, the African coffee plant may require more water than during winter when the air is dryer. It's best to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering it again.

Fertilization for Cephaelis guineensis (Schnell) Schnell

Cephaelis guineensis (Schnell) Schnell is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to keep it healthy and productive. An all-purpose fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied once every two weeks during the growing season.

The application rate will vary depending on the plant's size, age, and the amount of sunlight it receives. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, which can lead to fertilizer burn.

Pruning for Cephaelis guineensis (Schnell) Schnell

Pruning Cephaelis guineensis (Schnell) Schnell is an essential part of its care routine. It helps to keep the plant well-shaped and productive. Pruning involves removing dead or damaged leaves, stems, and branches.

The best time to prune African coffee is during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Use a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to avoid introducing disease to the plant. Cut the stems or branches at a 45-degree angle to encourage new growth.

Propagation of Cephaelis guineensis (Schnell) Schnell

Cephaelis guineensis (Schnell) Schnell or African coffee is propagated both by seeds and vegetatively. The propagation methods employed for this plant are discussed below:

Propagation by seeds:

Seeds of Cephaelis guineensis are small and must be handled with care to ensure successful propagation. The seeds are harvested when they are mature and dried in the sun for two to three days. After drying, they are stored in sealed containers until planting time. Before planting, the seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours to enhance germination. To plant, a hole is made in the soil, and the seed is placed carefully, cover with a thin layer of soil and watered. Germination begins within two to three weeks depending on the quality of the seed.

Propagation by cuttings:

Cuttings are taken from Cephaelis guineensis using terminal shoots of about 10 cm long from mature plants. The shoot is cut, and the lower part of the leaves is removed. The stem is then dipped in hormone rooting powder and planted in a pot containing a mixture of soil and sand. The pot is then covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment to enhance rooting. The plastic bag is removed once the plant starts sprouting. In about four to six weeks, roots should have formed, and the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.

Propagation by division:

Cephaelis guineensis can also be propagated by division. This method involves separating an established plant into smaller parts that have their roots. The plant is carefully dug up, and the root is separated into clumps, each containing a stem and root system. The individual clumps are planted in a new location at the same depth as the original plant and watered. The plants will start to grow within two to three weeks, and full establishment is reached in about six to twelve months.

Disease and Pest Management for Cephaelis guineensis (Schnell) Schnell

Cephaelis guineensis is an important medicinal plant that is widely grown in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. To maintain the productivity and quality of the plant, it is essential to manage the diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield.

Common Diseases of Cephaelis guineensis

The following are some of the common diseases that can affect Cephaelis guineensis:

Root rot

Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and decay. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and to avoid overwatering the plant. Additionally, applying fungicides can help to control the spread of the disease.

Leaf spot

Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Additionally, applying fungicides can help to control the spread of the disease.

Common Pests of Cephaelis guineensis

The following are some of the common pests that can affect Cephaelis guineensis:

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, they can be removed by hand or by using a high-pressure water spray. Additionally, applying insecticides can help to control the infestation of mealybugs.

Spider mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that also feed on the sap of the plant, causing discoloured leaves and reduced growth. To manage spider mites, they can be removed using a high-pressure water spray. Additionally, applying insecticides can help to control the infestation of spider mites.

Scale insects

Scale insects are small pests that attach themselves to the plant and suck the sap, causing yellow spots on the leaves and reduced growth. To manage scale insects, they can be removed by hand or by using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Additionally, applying insecticides can help to control the infestation of scale insects.