Overview
Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. is a species of coffee plant native to Central Africa, specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Common Names
Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. is commonly known as Carrisso's coffee and Congo coffee.
Appearance
The Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. plant is a small tree that grows up to 10 meters tall. It has a straight stem with branches that form a dense canopy. The plant produces small, white, fragrant flowers that are followed by small, red berries containing two coffee beans each. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and elongated, measuring up to 12 centimeters.
Uses
The Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. plant is valuable for its coffee beans, which are known for their fruity and floral notes. The beans are harvested and processed to create a high-quality coffee that is prized by connoisseurs. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as headaches, stomach pain, and fever.
Light Requirements
Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. is a shade-loving plant that prefers moderate to low levels of light. It is best grown under partially shaded conditions, such as under the canopy of other trees or in areas with filtered light. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant and may cause leaf scorching and wilting.
Temperature Requirements
Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It prefers average temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C-35°C), with nighttime temperatures not falling below 50°F (10°C). Temperatures below 50°F can slow growth and even cause leaf drop, while temperatures above 90°F (32°C) can lead to heat stress and scorching.
Soil Requirements
Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types as long as there is adequate soil drainage. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 5.0 and 6.5. Soil that is too alkaline or acidic can cause nutrient deficiencies and other problems.
Cultivation of Coffea carrissoi A.Chev.
Coffea carrissoi A.Chev is a shrub that is exclusively found in a few places in Africa, including Cameroon, Congo, and Angola. It prefers a warm and humid climate and thrives in well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant requires partial shade, especially during the hotter seasons. For best results, cultivate in an area that is protected from strong winds but receives adequate sunlight.
Watering Needs
Coffea carrissoi A.Chev requires regular watering, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. Ensure that the soil is moist but not water-logged. The plant thrives in a high humidity environment, so consider using a humidifier to maintain the required moisture levels.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and yield, provide Coffea carrissoi A.Chev with a balanced fertilizer such as NPK 20-10-10. Apply the fertilizer two to three times a year, depending on the quality of the soil. The application should be done when the plant is actively growing and should be spread evenly around the base of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Coffea carrissoi A.Chev is vital to encourage healthy growth and increase yield. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, typically in early spring or late after the harvest period. Remove weak and diseased branches, as well as any unwanted growth. Leave several young and healthy branches to encourage new growth for the next season.
Propagation of Coffea carrissoi A.Chev.
Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. is a plant species native to tropical Africa. It is a small shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family and produces fragrant white flowers. Propagation is an important aspect when it comes to the cultivation of Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. Here are the propagation methods for the plant:
Seed propagation
Propagation of Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. can be done using seeds. The seeds should be collected from fresh fruits, dried, and then sown. For best results, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing to break the dormancy. Sow the seeds in a well-draining medium, cover lightly with soil, and then keep the soil moist. Germination should occur within 4-6 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken from new shoots during the rainy season. Cut the stem at a length of about 10 cm and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, and then plant in a well-draining medium. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded area. Rooting of the cuttings should occur within 2-3 weeks.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. Select a healthy branch that is about 1 cm in diameter and make a ring-shaped cut around the bark. Carefully remove the bark and apply rooting hormone to the exposed area. Cover the exposed area with moist sphagnum moss and wrap with plastic. After a few weeks, roots should form, and you can cut the rooted branch from the parent plant and transplant it to a new pot.
Disease Management
Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. can be susceptible to various diseases that can negatively impact its productivity and quality. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Coffee rust: This is a fungal disease caused by Hemileia vastratrix. The disease causes yellowish spots on the leaves, which eventually become reddish-brown and fall off. The fungus also attacks the berries, causing them to drop prematurely. To manage coffee rust, it's essential to remove and destroy infected plant parts, apply fungicides, and maintain proper plant nutrition.
- Bacterial blight: This is a bacterial disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae. The disease affects leaves and causes angular spots, which eventually turn brown and fall off. The bacteria can also infect the berries and cause black necrotic spots. To manage bacterial blight, it's essential to prune and destroy infected plant parts, apply copper-based bactericides, and maintain good hygiene.
- Coffee Berry Disease: This is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum coffeanum. The disease affects the berries and causes them to develop hard, black necrotic spots. The infected berries are usually shrivelled and drop off prematurely. To manage Coffee Berry Disease, it's essential to remove and destroy infected berries, apply fungicides, and maintain good plant hygiene.
- Fusarium Wilt: This is a fungal disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum. The disease affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and turn brown. The infected plant wilts and dies. To manage Fusarium wilt, it's essential to remove and destroy infected plant parts, apply fungicides, and maintain proper plant nutrition.
Pest Management
Coffea carrissoi A.Chev. can also be vulnerable to various pests that can cause significant damage. Some of the common pests that affect this plant include:
- Coffee berry borer: This is a beetle that bores into the berries and feeds on the beans. The beetle causes damage to the beans and reduces their quality. To manage coffee berry borer, it's essential to use pheromone traps, apply insecticides, and maintain good plant hygiene.
- Root mealybugs: These are small white insects that infest the roots of the plant. The mealybugs feed on the roots, causing stunted growth and wilting of the plant. To manage root mealybugs, it's essential to apply insecticides, use beneficial insects such as ladybugs, and maintain proper plant nutrition.
- Ants: Ants can proactively farm aphids and scale insects, which damage the plant by feeding on plant saps. To manage ants, it's essential to use ant baits, maintain good plant hygiene and use sticky bands.
- Coffee stem borer: This is a beetle that bores into the stem of the plant, causing significant damage. The beetle can cause wilting and eventually death of the plant. To manage coffee stem borer, it's essential to prune and destroy infected plant parts, use insecticides, and maintain good plant hygiene.
