Overview
Coffea excelsa A. Chev., also known as Coffea liberica, is a species of coffee that is native to West and Central Africa. The plant belongs to the Rubiaceae family, and it is a tall and robust tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height.
Appearance
The leaves of Coffea excelsa are large, dark green, and glossy. Its flowers are white and have a sweet aroma. The fruits are drupes that ripen to a deep red color and contain two seeds which are processed to produce coffee.
Common Names
Coffea excelsa is commonly known as Liberian coffee, Excelsa coffee, and Kenya coffee. It is also referred to as "big bean" due to the size of its coffee beans compared to other coffee species.
Uses
The coffee beans of Coffea excelsa have a unique flavor profile that is distinct from other coffee species. They are lower in acidity, have a smoother texture, and are less bitter than other coffee varieties. These characteristics make it a desirable coffee for blending, particularly for espresso. Additionally, some traditional medicines in West Africa use Coffea excelsa fruit and leaves for treating a variety of ailments such as fever, headaches, and diarrhea.
Overall, Coffea excelsa is an important source of income for small-scale farmers in West and Central Africa, and it is also cultivated for its ornamental value in gardens and parks around the world.
Light Requirements
Coffea excelsa A. Chev. requires high light intensity for optimal growth and fruit production. This plant thrives in areas with bright sunlight and can tolerate partial shade. Inadequate light can lead to stunted growth, reduced flowering or fruit yield, and susceptibility to disease and pests.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Coffea excelsa A. Chev. growth is between 18°C to 28°C. This plant cannot withstand frost and requires warm temperatures throughout the year. High temperatures above 32°C can lead to reduced fruit yield and quality, and leaf burn. A consistent temperature range is essential for healthy Coffea excelsa A. Chev. growth.
Soil Requirements
Coffea excelsa A. Chev. requires well-draining soils rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 5-6.5. The soil should be moist but not wet, with adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. The plant grows best in loamy soils with good aeration, and it is essential to maintain optimal soil moisture content to support healthy growth. Additionally, Coffea excelsa A. Chev. is highly sensitive to soil salinity and requires soil with low salt levels.
Cultivation Methods
Coffea excelsa A. Chev. is a species of coffee that requires specific growing conditions to thrive. It is primarily grown in West and Central Africa, particularly in Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The plant is best grown in tropical regions with altitudes ranging between 400-1900 meters above sea level.
Farmers should plant Coffea excelsa A. Chev. in well-draining soils with a pH of 5.0-6.0. The plant’s root system is shallow and can be easily damaged, so it is essential to avoid soil compaction and flooding. The plant requires intense sunlight, so it should be planted in an open field or in areas with low shading.
Watering Needs
Coffea excelsa A. Chev. has high water requirements, and farmers must water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist. The appropriate amount and frequency of watering depend on the climate and soil type. The plant should not be waterlogged as this can result in root rot disease.
Fertilization
The plant has high nutritional requirements, and farmers must fertilize it adequately. A balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) ratio of 2:1:1 is suitable for the plant. A well-fertilized plant results in better yields and improves the quality of the coffee beans.
Pruning
Pruning Coffea excelsa A. Chev. helps to maintain plant vigor, control pests and diseases, and achieve optimal yields. The plant should be pruned after the harvesting season, and the process involves removing dead wood, diseased branches, and suckers. Farmers should also consider removing lower branches to facilitate proper aeration and light penetration.
Propagation of Coffea excelsa A. Chev.
Coffea excelsa A. Chev., commonly known as Excelsa coffee, is propagated through seeds or by vegetative methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds are the most common and easiest method of propagation for Coffea excelsa. The seeds should be collected from ripe coffee cherries and washed to remove pulp and other debris. Then, the seeds should be dried in the sun or in a dry and ventilated place for 2-3 days before sowing.
The sowing of seeds should be done in a nursery bed, which has well-drained soil and is kept moist. The seeds should be sown 2-3 cm deep and covered with a thin layer of soil. Germination generally occurs after 30-60 days, and the seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location after they've grown to a height of about 25-30 cm.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation (cuttings, layering, grafting) is also used to propagate Coffea excelsa but is less common than seed propagation.
Cuttings:
Hardwood cuttings of Coffea excelsa can be used to propagate the plant. The cuttings should be taken from the previous season's growth of mature plants. The cuttings should be 20-25 cm long and have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be kept in a humid environment. The cuttings will generally root in 4-6 weeks.
Layering:
In layering, a branch of the plant is bent over and covered with soil, leaving the tip exposed. After a few weeks, roots will form from the buried section. Once the roots have formed, the new plant can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to its permanent location.
Grafting:
Grafting is a more complicated method of propagation. It is usually done on Coffea excelsa to produce cultivars with desirable traits. In this method, a scion (a piece of the desired plant) is grafted onto a rootstock of another related plant or seedling. The plants are then either joined together by a tightly bound band or by an approach graft.
Disease and Pest Management for Coffea excelsa A. Chev.
Coffea excelsa A. Chev. is a coffee plant that is grown in various regions of Africa. Just like any other crop, it may become affected by different pests and diseases that can reduce its yield and quality. Thus, it is essential to take preventative measures, as well as a prompt response when signs of infestation or infection are identified. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that affect Coffea excelsa A. Chev., and how to manage them:
Diseases
Coffee Leaf Rust: This is one of the most commonly occurring and devastating diseases of coffee plants. It appears on the leaves as yellow, then orange, and later, as brown pustules that can lead to complete defoliation. To manage coffee leaf rust, coffee trees should be sprayed with copper-based fungicides, and diseased foliage should be pruned and destroyed. Regular maintenance, such as observing strict hygiene and ensuring adequate spacing between crops, can also reduce the spread and intensity of the disease.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects the coffee plant. It is characterized by the appearance of sunken areas on the berries, stems, and leaves, which later turn brown and accumulate a mass of pink spore clusters. Management strategies include pruning and removal of infected plant parts, especially during the dormant season, as well as frequent fungal sprays. Effective pruning also improves circulation and light penetration, reducing humidity levels in the plant canopy.
Pests
Coffee Berry Borer: This is a tiny beetle that attacks the coffee berry, leading to the formation of large holes and premature ripening that affects the quality of the final product. Control measures include the use of pesticides containing synthetic pyrethroids, pheromone traps, and cultural practices such as timely harvesting and proper hygiene. Using mesh bags to bag the fruit before ripening can also help reduce the risk of infestation.
Nematodes: Nematodes are small, worm-like organisms that live in the soil and feed on the roots of Coffea excelsa A. Chev. plants, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. Organic controls like neem oil, compost application, and crop rotation have shown to be effective against nematodes. However, care should be taken not to damage the roots while watering the plants, as injured roots can increase the susceptibility of the plants to nematodes.
By practicing good plant management techniques and promptly treating any instances of disease or pests, growers can successfully cultivate productive and healthy Coffea excelsa A. Chev. plants.
