Origin
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper, also known as Psychotria suaveolens Hiern, is a species of plant in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in the regions of West and Central Africa.
Common Names
There are various common names attributed to Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper, depending on the region where it grows. Some of the common names of the plant include sweet malva, sweet-scented salisbury-root, and Psychotria suaveolens Hiern.
Uses
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper has a long history of use in traditional medicine due to its medicinal properties. The plant contains alkaloids that have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful in the treatment of various physical ailments. It has been used traditionally to treat conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. The plant also contains compounds that are being studied for potential anti-tumour and anti-malarial properties.
General Appearance
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. The leaves of this plant are simple and ovate, measuring up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The flowers are small and white, growing in clusters near the tips of the branches. The fruit of the plant is a drupe and contains 1 or 2 seeds. The plant has a sweet, pleasant fragrance thanks to the volatile oils it contains.
Light Requirements
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper typically requires bright, indirect light to thrive. It is recommended to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight as it can damage their foliage. Keeping them near a window that receives filtered light or under grow lights that mimic natural sunlight can be a good option.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper is between 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C). It is important to maintain consistent temperatures as they are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, such as drafts, as it can cause stress and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can be a good option. It is recommended to maintain soil pH between 5.5 to 6.5. Overwatering and poor drainage can cause root rot, so it is important to ensure proper drainage and let the soil dry out before watering again.
Cultivation Methods
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper, commonly known as the West African Coffee plant, is a shrub that is native to West Africa. This plant prefers a warm and humid climate, making it suitable for indoor cultivation only in areas with a similar climate. The plant does best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. It is recommended to plant it in a container with holes for proper drainage.
Watering Needs
The West African Coffee plant requires moderate watering and soil moisture should be maintained evenly. Over-watering can cause root rot, while under-watering can lead to dehydration and stunted growth. The best way to check if it needs watering is by sticking your finger into the soil, and if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water the plant. However, it is important to avoid over-watering or waterlogging the soil as it can be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Fertilization
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper requires proper fertilization to thrive. They are light feeders, and a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be used during the growing season, from late spring to early fall. Over-fertilization can cause the leaves to burn and turn yellow. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and not to fertilize the plant during the dormant period.
Pruning
Pruning of West African Coffee plant is necessary to keep the plant compact and promote bushy growth. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the start of the growing season. The plant can be trimmed at a height that is comfortable, preferably no less than half of its original height. Any diseased, damaged or dead branches and leaves should be removed. Pruning should be carried out regularly to keep the plant looking neat and tidy, and to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to poor air circulation and pest infestation.
Propagation of Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper, commonly known as the Jamaica dogwood or fish poison tree, is a tropical and subtropical plant that can be propagated through different methods. These propagation methods include:
Seed propagation
Propagation through seed is the most common method for Cephaelis peduncularis. To propagate through seed, mature fruits are collected and allowed to ripen. The seeds are then extracted and soaked in water for 24 hours to soften their hard coat. After soaking, the seeds are sown in nursery beds or large pots filled with a well-draining substrate.
The substrate should be kept moist, and the seedlings will germinate within 2-3 weeks. After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted to a larger pot, and the substrate should be kept moist to encourage growth. Seed propagation is best done during the rainy season.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation through cuttings is another method for Cephaelis peduncularis. The cuttings are taken from the mature trees, and the leaves on the lower part of the stem are removed. The cuttings are then dipped in a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth and planted in a well-draining substrate.
The substrate should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be kept in a shaded area to prevent excessive water loss. Roots will develop within 4-6 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted to larger pots or the field. Cuttings propagation can be done at any time of the year, but is best done during the rainy season.
Division propagation
Propagation through division involves dividing the roots of mature plants into sections, each of which can become a new plant. This method is best suited for mature plants over 4 years of age.
The size of the root portion depends on the size of the parent plant and the number of new plants wanted. The divided portions are then planted in individual pots or directly in the field. The substrate should be kept moist to encourage root growth. Division propagation can be done at any time of the year, but is best done during the rainy season.
Disease Management
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper, also known as the West African coffee, is susceptible to various diseases. Among the common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Coffee Leaf Rust: caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix, this disease causes the leaves to develop rust-colored spots that may turn yellow and brown. If left uncontrolled, the rust can spread and cause defoliation and yield loss.
- Coffee Berry Disease: caused by the fungus Colletotrichum kahawae, this disease initially causes the berries to develop water-soaked lesions that later turn brown and hard. The infected berries fall from the plant prematurely, resulting in yield loss.
- Root-Knot Nematode: caused by various species of Meloidogyne, this disease manifests as galls on the plant's roots, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.
To manage these diseases, it is necessary to implement various control measures, such as:
- Practicing good field hygiene, such as removing and destroying diseased leaves, berries, and plants.
- Using disease-resistant or tolerant varieties.
- Applying fungicides or nematicides, following the recommended dosage and application schedule.
- Using organic control measures such as neem and garlic extract applications, utilizing the pest repellent properties of both these plants that affect fungal spores.
Pest Management
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper is also affected by various pests. Some of the commonly observed pests that affect the West African coffee plant are:
- Stem Borers: These are the most destructive pests that tunnel through the plant's stem, disrupting nutrient flow and weakening the plant. The adult stem borers lay their eggs on the stem near the soil level, and the larvae emerge and bore their way into the plant.
- Ants : They disturb the plant’s roots leading to stunted growth and sometimes even death, in addition to protecting aphids and mealy bugs from their natural predators.
- Mealybugs: These insects suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves and stunted growth. They also secrete honeydew which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold control infections
- Coffee Bean Weevil: The adult beetles are attracted to the berries and lay their eggs inside them. The larvae then bore into the beans, causing damage and reducing the quality of the harvest.
To manage these pests, it is necessary to implement various control measures, such as:
- Removing and destroying infested plants or plant parts.
- Practicing good field hygiene by removing weeds and plant debris that harbor pests.
- Dusting with insecticides approved for organic production, including natural pyrethrins, natural neem oils and organic approved insecticides, spray the plant to reduce pest incidence and weaken the pest activity.
- Using sticky traps for monitoring and trapping beetles that bore into the beans.
Early detection and timely management of pests and diseases can prevent serious damage to the Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. suaveolens (Hiern) Hepper plant and ensure optimal yield and quality.
