Overview
Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern is a rare and unique variety of Coffea arabica L. plant species. This rare variety is characterized by its yellow-white colored fruit compared to the red fruit of the common Coffea arabica plant.
Origin
Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern originates from the highlands of Ethiopia, in East Africa. It was first discovered in the Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia in the late 1800s by the German botanist Moritz Kurtze.
Common Names
This unique variety of Coffea arabica L. has several common names. It is commonly referred to as “White Coffee”, “Ghost Coffee”, “Ivory Coffee,” or “Yellow Coffee."
Uses
Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern has been cultivated for its unique and rare qualities. It is primarily used for breeding purposes by coffee researchers and plant breeders to produce new hybrids of Coffea arabica plants. Despite its unique appearance, the coffee produced from this variety is said to be of average quality and is not commercially used for coffee production.
General Appearance
Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern is a small tree that grows to about 6 meters tall. It has dark green, glossy leaves and produces beautiful white flowers with a fragrant scent. Its unique yellow-white fruit is small and round, measuring about 1 cm in diameter.
Light requirements
The Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern plant typically thrives in a semishaded environment. Too much sun can cause the leaves to scorch and even fall off. However, it still needs a fair amount of light to grow and produce coffee beans. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in an area with filtered sunlight.
Temperature requirements
The Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern plant prefers a mild to warm environment. The ideal temperature range for it to grow is between 60-70°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F, but it will not grow as well. On the other hand, temperatures above 80°F can cause the plant to become dormant and stunt its growth.
Soil requirements
The Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern plant thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 6 and 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients. The plant also requires good aeration, as poorly drained soil can lead to root rot. It is important to note that this plant is sensitive to salt, so avoid using fertilizers that are high in salt content.
Cultivation methods
Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern is typically grown in tropical climates and requires specific environmental conditions to thrive. It grows best in rich, well-draining soils with a pH range of 6-6.5. The plant should be grown in areas with filtered sunlight rather than direct sunlight, with temperatures around 60-70°F.
Watering needs
The Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern plant requires consistent moisture, but not too much water. The plant should be watered regularly, but the soil should be allowed to partially dry out between watering. Overwatering can cause root rot and other problems that will harm the plant's growth and health.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern plant is necessary to help it produce healthy foliage and flowers. Organic fertilizers made specifically for coffee plants are best, as they contain the nutrients that the plant needs in the correct proportion. Fertilizer should be applied every three months, with a higher amount during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning the Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern plant can help promote bushier growth and maintain its form. The best time to prune the plant is in the winter months when it is not actively growing. Prune off any dead or damaged branches, thin out crowded areas, and trim back long shoots to a healthy pair of leaves.
Propagation of Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern
Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern is propagated through two main methods- seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method to propagate Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern. The fruits of Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern are called cherries and each cherry generally contains two seeds. These seeds are used for propagation. The seeds are first soaked in water for 24 hours and then sown in a suitable potting mix. The potting mix should be well-draining and should contain peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite in equal proportions. The seeds are then covered with a thin layer of the potting mix and watered well. The pot should be kept in a shaded area until the seedlings emerge.
Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be gradually exposed to sunlight. The seedlings should not receive direct sunlight as this can damage the delicate leaves. The seedlings should be watered regularly but care should be taken not to overwater as this can cause the roots to rot. After 6 to 8 weeks, the seedlings can be transplanted to a larger pot. The new pot should also contain a well-draining potting mix.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method used to propagate Coffea arabica L. var. leucocarpa Hiern. This method involves taking stem cuttings from mature plants. The stem cuttings should be 10 to 15 centimeters long and should have at least 2 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix.
The pot should be kept in a shaded area until the new roots have formed. Care should be taken not to overwater as this can cause the roots to rot. After the new roots have formed, the plant can be transplanted to a larger pot. The new pot should also contain a well-draining potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Coffea Arabica L. var. Leucocarpa Hiern
Coffea Arabica L. var. Leucocarpa Hiern is an evergreen shrub with a highly susceptible nature for pests and diseases. Without proper management, these issues can significantly reduce the plant's yield and quality. Here are some common diseases and pests you should look out for when growing Coffea Arabica L. var. Leucocarpa Hiern:
Diseases
1. Coffee Leaf Rust: Coffee Leaf Rust is a fungal disease that affects Arabica coffee plants, including Coffea Arabica L. var. Leucocarpa Hiern. This disease can cause significant damage to the leaves, eventually leading to defoliation and poor yield. To manage this disease, you can use fungicides, such as copper-based products, to reduce its spread.
2. Coffee Berry Disease: Coffee berry disease is another fungal disease that affects Coffea Arabica L. var. Leucocarpa Hiern. Infected berries will turn brown or yellow and fall off the plant, ultimately reducing your yield. Regular pruning, cleaning the plant debris, and avoiding water stress can help control this disease.
Pests
1. Coffee Borer Beetle: Coffee Borer Beetle is a devastating pest that can damage the coffee plant's berries by boring into them, leading to fungal attacks, and ultimately reduce yield. Regular pruning, removing infected plant parts, and proper storage of harvested berries can help control this pest.
2. Coffee Mealybug: Coffee Mealybug is one of the most troublesome pests that can cause severe damage to Coffea Arabica L. var. Leucocarpa Hiern. The pests feed on the sap of the plant and can spread viral diseases, leading to plant death. Neem oil or horticultural oil is an effective and organic solution to control this pest.
By being proactive and diligent in your management, you can prevent or control the pests and diseases that can harm Coffea Arabica L. var. Leucocarpa Hiern and help ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest.
