Introduction
Citharexylum pentandrum Vent. is a species of shrub or small tree that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Common Names
The plant has several common names depending on where it is found. In English, it is commonly known as Jamaica wild coffee, Bahama wild coffee, or West Indian wild coffee. In Spanish, it is known as cafeto cimarrón, cafetillo, and café de la India.
Origin
Citharexylum pentandrum is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. It grows naturally in various habitats, such as the edges of forests, open areas, and disturbed sites. Today, it is cultivated in many parts of the world, including Florida, Hawaii, and several countries in Asia and Africa.
General Appearance
Citharexylum pentandrum is an evergreen or semi-deciduous plant that can grow up to 10 meters tall but is usually much smaller. It has a rounded, dense crown with spreading branches that form a bushy shape. The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptical, with a glossy dark green color and a length of 7-15 cm. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, forming dense clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a small, fleshy, yellow or red berry that contains one or two seeds.
Uses
Citharexylum pentandrum has several traditional medicinal uses. In Jamaica, a decoction of the leaves is used as a remedy for colds, fever, malaria, and dysentery. In Trinidad, the leaves are boiled and the resulting infusion is used as a tea to relieve headaches and stomach problems. The plant is also used as a natural insecticide and repellent. In addition, Citharexylum pentandrum is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Light Requirements
Citharexylum pentandrum Vent. grows best in full sun to partial shade environments. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also thrive in areas with indirect sunlight or partial shade, provided the area has bright light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures, with the ideal range being between 59°F-86°F (15°C-30°C). It does well in tropical and subtropical regions, where daily temperatures are generally high and steady. However, it can also endure mild frosts and cooler temperatures above 32°F (0°C) for short periods.
Soil Requirements
Citharexylum pentandrum Vent. prefers well-drained, neutral to acidic soils with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. It thrives in sandy or loamy soils with high organic matter content, which allows for good drainage and aeration. The plant can tolerate growing in soils that are slightly alkaline but finds it challenging to grow in wet or poorly drained soils.
Cultivation of Citharexylum Pentandrum Vent.
Citharexylum Pentandrum Vent., commonly known as Jamaica mountain stopper or white stopper, is a native evergreen shrub or small tree to the Caribbean region, specifically Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11 and prefers full sun to partial shade.
When planting Citharexylum Pentandrum Vent., prepare the soil by adding organic matter like compost or leaf mold to increase the nutrient content and improve drainage. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water well.
Watering Needs of Citharexylum Pentandrum Vent.
Citharexylum Pentandrum Vent. has moderate watering needs. The plant requires well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells or when grown in containers, to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
However, avoid overwatering the plant as this can cause root rot, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.
Fertilization of Citharexylum Pentandrum Vent.
Citharexylum Pentandrum Vent. benefits from periodic fertilization to promote healthy foliage growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 and apply it every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers like fish emulsion, blood meal, or bone meal to enrich the soil and improve soil structure
Pruning of Citharexylum Pentandrum Vent.
Citharexylum Pentandrum Vent. responds well to pruning, which helps to promote bushier growth and maintain the desired shape and size. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before the plant starts actively growing.
Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches using sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases. Additionally, thin out branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other to improve air circulation and increase light penetration.
Propagation of Citharexylum pentandrum Vent.
Citharexylum pentandrum Vent. can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods:
Sexual Propagation
Seeds should be collected from mature fruits and allowed to dry for several days. A well-draining soil mix should be prepared, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination may take several weeks to several months, and seedlings should be kept in a partially shaded area until they are large enough to be transplanted.
Asexual Propagation
Citharexylum pentandrum Vent. can also be propagated by cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken in the summer from current season's growth. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm in length and should be dipped in rooting hormone before being inserted into a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept consistently moist and the cuttings should be kept in a partially shaded area until they have rooted. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Disease Management for Citharexylum pentandrum Vent.
Citharexylum pentandrum Vent. is known for its high resistance to pests and diseases. However, it may still be susceptible to certain types of fungal diseases such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, and rust.
To manage anthracnose, ensure that the tree is planted in well-drained soil and is not over-watered. Avoid injuring the tree during cultivation, pruning, and harvest as it may provide an entry point for the fungus. Fungicides containing copper-based compounds or benzimidazole can also be used to control anthracnose effectively.
Powdery mildew on the leaves of C. pentandrum can be managed by removing the infected parts and providing good air circulation around the tree. Fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate can also be used to suppress the disease.
Rust, which is characterized by yellow to orange spots on the leaves of the tree, can be managed by removing infected leaves as soon as possible. Fungicides containing copper-based compounds or triazole can also be used to control rust.
Pest Management for Citharexylum pentandrum Vent.
Citharexylum pentandrum Vent. is also known for its resistance to pests. However, it may occasionally be affected by scale insects and spider mites.
Scale insects can be controlled by natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. Insecticides containing neem oil or pyrethrin can also be used to manage scale insects effectively.
Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the tree with a strong stream of water to remove the mites from the leaves. Insecticides containing neem oil or sulfur can also be used to manage spider mites successfully.
Regular monitoring and good tree maintenance practices are also essential in preventing pest infestation and the spread of diseases. If you are unsure of a particular pest or disease, consult with a plant specialist or extension agent for the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
