Origin and Common Names
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper, also known as Tabua coffee or Tabua picta, is a plant species belonging to the family of Rubiaceae. The plant is endemic to Fiji and is commonly found in the Tabua region of the Viti Levu Island.
General Appearance
Tabua coffee is a small shrub that grows up to 2m tall. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture. The plant produces small, white flowers that are arranged in clusters. The fruit that follows is a small, berry-like drupe that turns red when ripe. The seeds of the plant are used for medicinal and cultural practices.
Uses
Tabua coffee is renowned for its medicinal properties. The plant contains alkaloids, including caffeine, which makes the plant a valuable stimulant. The locals use the dried and powdered seeds to make a stimulating drink or chew the seeds to promote alertness. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as headaches, coughs, colds, and fevers.
Additionally, the plant has cultural significance in Fijian society. It is highly revered and regarded as a symbol of wealth and status. The dried and polished seeds are used as currency in customary and traditional ceremonies, particularly in dowry exchanges.
Overall, the Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper is a fascinating plant species that is valued both in the medicinal and cultural realms in Fiji.hereLight Requirements
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper is a tropical plant that commonly grows under dense forests canopies. Therefore, it prefers partial to full shade conditions and cannot tolerate direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper growth is between 20°C and 30°C. Although it can withstand occasional temperature fluctuations, exposure to extremely hot or cold temperatures can cause severe damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as root rot can occur in waterlogged soil. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for optimal plant growth.
Cultivation Methods for Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. Var. Tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper is a plant that grows well in tropical regions, such as West Africa. These plants prefer partial shade and thrive in well-draining soils. Before planting, the soil pH should be tested, and the optimal pH for the plant is between 6 and 7.
The best time to plant Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper is during the rainy season. Space each plant about three feet apart for optimal growth. The plants tend to grow in a shrub-like fashion, and therefore, they do not tolerate overcrowding.
Watering Needs for Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. Var. Tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper requires consistent watering throughout its growing period. These plants need to be kept in moist soil to prevent leaf withering. It is essential to water the plant whenever the topsoil dries out, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization of Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. Var. Tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper
The plants require regular fertilization to enable healthy growth and maximize the yield. Fertilizers that contain high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus are best suited for this plant. The use of organic fertilizers is recommended as they contain ideal nutrients that promote healthy growth. Fertilizers should be applied during the rainy season to enable efficient uptake by the plants.
Pruning for Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. Var. Tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper
Pruning is not necessary for Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper. However, removing damaged, old or diseased leaves will improve the plant's health and enhance the yield. It is also necessary to cut down the branches that grow out of bounds to enable the plant to grow more upright. The best time to prune the plant is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation of Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper, commonly known as Tabou coffee, is a slow-growing and often finicky plant to grow, making it a challenge to propagate. However, with patience and attention to detail, it is possible to propagate this plant using several methods. The following are some of the propagation methods for Cephaelis peduncularis:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Cephaelis peduncularis. The seeds of this plant are small and should be sown as fresh as possible. The ideal time to plant the seeds is during spring or early summer. It is essential to prepare the seedbed before sowing the seeds, ensuring it is well-drained, loose, and fertile.
Once the seedbed is ready, sow the seeds into the soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, press down to ensure good contact, and water them well. The seed pot should be placed in partial shade with temperatures ranging from 18-20? until germination, which takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
Stem cutting propagation
Another method of propagating Cephaelis peduncularis is through stem cutting. However, this method is not commonly used because the plant does not produce long stems suitable for cutting. Nonetheless, stem cuttings produced by pruning the plant are most viable for propagation.
To create a cutting, take a 4-6 inch stem section about ½ inch above a healthy leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and plant it in a well-drained potting mix. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to keep it moist and humid and place it in a shaded area. The cutting should root within six weeks, but it may take up to four months to grow new leaves entirely depending on the environmental conditions.
Air layering propagation
The air layering method is another way of propagating Cephaelis peduncularis. First, identify a healthy 4-6 inch stem; make a small wound around the stem and apply a rooting hormone. Next, wrap a moist sphagnum moss ball around the wound and cover it with plastic film. Ensure the air layering stays moist throughout the process by regularly misting it.
After about six to eight weeks when roots have formed around the wound, cut the stem just below the ball and plant it in a pot with a well-drained, humus-rich soil medium. Ensure to place the newly propagated plant in a partially shaded area to reduce stress on the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper
Cephaelis peduncularis Salisb. var. tabouensis (Schnell) Hepper, commonly known as Tabou coffee, is a species of coffee plant. Like most plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
1. Leaf Rust: This fungal disease causes yellowish-orange spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, use fungicides, and ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
2. Coffee Berry Disease: This disease affects the berries, causing them to wither and drop from the plant prematurely. To manage this disease, remove infected berries, use fungicides, and ensure proper pruning to increase air circulation.
3. Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and berries, causing dark, sunken lesions. To manage this disease, remove infected plant material, use fungicides, and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
1. Mealybugs: These insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage them, remove infected plant material, use insecticidal soap or oil, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
2. Coffee White Stem Borer: This beetle bores into the stem of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage this pest, prune infected stems, use organic insecticides, and introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps.
3. Coffee Bean Weevil: This insect feeds on the coffee beans, causing significant damage and reducing the yield. To manage this pest, store harvested coffee beans in air-tight containers, use insecticidal dust, and ensure proper sanitation of the storage area.
By being vigilant and employing good cultural practices, it is possible to manage these diseases and pests effectively and ensure a healthy and productive crop of Tabou coffee.
