Coffea excelsa A.Chev
Coffea excelsa A.Chev., commonly known as Excelsa coffee, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is native to West and Central Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo. This plant is a large tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a distinct crown of leaves. It produces small white flowers that give way to small red fruits.
Common Names
Coffea excelsa is commonly known as Excelsa coffee, Sierra coffee, and simply as Excelsa. In some regions of Africa, it is referred to as “Kouillou” or “Djémbé”.
Uses
Excelsa coffee is considered a minor coffee species compared to Arabica and Robusta coffee. Its beans have a unique flavor that is described as fruity and tart, with a hint of dark chocolate. These beans are commonly used to blend with other coffee varieties to produce a well-rounded flavor. Additionally, Coffea excelsa leaves and bark are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and headaches.
Appearance
The Coffea excelsa tree is characterized by its distinct crown of leaves and its ability to grow up to 20 meters tall. The leaves are elongated and taper to a point. The small white flowers grow in clusters and develop into small red fruits that contain seeds or coffee beans. These beans are smaller than Arabica and Robusta coffee beans and have a unique curved shape.
Light Requirements
Coffea excelsa A.Chev requires an ample amount of sunlight for optimal growth. It needs to be positioned in an area that receives bright, indirect light, but not direct sunlight. Too much direct sunlight may cause the leaves to scorch or turn yellow.
Temperature Requirements
The Coffea excelsa A.Chev plant prefers a warm and humid environment. It thrives in temperatures between 60°F-75°F (15°C-24°C) during the day and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) at night. It is crucial to keep the plant away from cold drafts, air conditioning, or heating vents.
Soil Requirements
The Coffea excelsa A.Chev plant requires loose and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 6.0-6.5. The ideal soil mix for this plant should contain a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand. The plant requires moderate watering and, therefore, the mix should be moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation of Coffea excelsa A.Chev.
Coffea excelsa A.Chev. is a tropical evergreen shrub and grows best in warm climates with temperatures between 60-80°F. It thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level between 5.0 to 6.0. The plant requires ample sunlight for proper growth and should be shaded as needed to protect it from intense sunlight.
Watering needs for Coffea excelsa A.Chev.
Adequate water is essential for the growth and development of Coffea excelsa A.Chev. It requires regular watering, and the soil must remain moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. The frequency of watering should be increased during hot and dry weather conditions.
Fertilization of Coffea excelsa A.Chev.
Coffea excelsa A.Chev. requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy and robust growth. A balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. Fertilizer application should be done during the growing season, with the first application done after the first flush of new growth and subsequent applications every six months.
Pruning Coffea excelsa A.Chev.
Pruning is a necessary practice for Coffea excelsa A.Chev. to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. It is best to prune the plant during the dry season to encourage new growth. The ideal time to prune is after the plant has produced its cherries. The farmer should remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and shape the plant to meet a desired size and shape.
Propagation of Coffea excelsa A.Chev.
Coffea excelsa A.Chev., commonly known as Excelsa coffee or Coffea liberica var. dewevrei, is a species of coffee plant that is grown for its large beans. The plant is propagated by both sexual and asexual methods. Here are some of the propagation methods used in Coffea excelsa A.Chev.:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Coffea excelsa A.Chev. by seed is the most common method used by many coffee farmers. Seeds are obtained from mature Coffea excelsa A.Chev. fruits that are collected from the parent tree. After harvesting, the fruits are depulped, washed and dried. The seeds can then be planted in a nursery or directly in the field.
The seeds can take about 6-8 weeks to germinate. After germination, the seedlings are transferred to bigger pots or planted in the field. It is important to ensure that the seedlings are protected from direct sunlight and strong winds during the first few weeks after transplanting.
Cutting Propagation
Coffea excelsa A.Chev. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The cuttings are usually taken from mature Coffea excelsa A.Chev. trees. The stem cuttings are approximately 20-30 cm in length and have at least two nodes. The cuttings are then dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in a suitable rooting medium.
The cuttings are then kept in a misted environment with high humidity to promote rapid root growth. After several weeks, the cuttings will produce new leaves indicating root formation. At this stage, the cuttings can be transplanted to bigger pots or in the field.
Air-layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method used for Coffea excelsa A.Chev. This is a process where a branch of the Coffea excelsa A.Chev. plant is allowed to produce roots while still attached to the parent plant.
The branch is wounded by removing a ring of bark near a node and then the exposed area is covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped with a polythene sheet. After several weeks, roots will develop from the wounded area. The branch is then cut off and planted in a suitable rooting medium.
It is important to select branches that are mature, healthy and strong. The air-layering method is ideal for Coffea excelsa A.Chev. plants that are difficult to root using other propagation methods.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is also a propagation method used for Coffea excelsa A.Chev. This is a process where a scion from a Coffea excelsa A.Chev. tree is grafted onto a rootstock from another Coffea species.
The scion is obtained from a mature Coffea excelsa A.Chev. tree and is usually about 10-15 cm long with 2-4 nodes. The scion is then grafted onto a Coffea rootstock using different grafting techniques. After several weeks, the scion will produce new leaves indicating successful grafting. The grafted plant can then be transplanted in the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Coffea excelsa A.Chev.
Coffea excelsa A.Chev. is a species of coffee plant that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management are necessary to maintain the health and productivity of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Coffee Leaf Rust: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of coffee plants. It appears as yellow-orange spots on the upper surface of the leaves. To manage this disease, you can prune the affected leaves and ensure that the plant has adequate air circulation to reduce humidity levels. You can also apply fungicides to the plant according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Coffee Berry Disease: This is a fungal disease that affects the berries of coffee plants. It appears as brown lesions on the berries, eventually causing them to rot. To manage this disease, you can prune the infected branches and ensure that the plant has adequate air circulation to reduce humidity levels. You can also apply fungicides to the plant according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Common Pests
Coffee Berry Borer: This is a beetle that burrows into the coffee berries, causing damage to the seeds. To manage this pest, you can prune the affected branches and remove any infected berries from the plant. You can also apply insecticides to the plant according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Coffee White Stem Borer: This is a type of moth that lays eggs on the stems of the coffee plant. The larvae then tunnel into the stems, causing damage to the plant's structure. To manage this pest, you can prune the affected branches and remove any larvae that are visible on the stems. You can also apply insecticides to the plant according to the manufacturer's instructions.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage the diseases and pests that might affect Coffea excelsa A.Chev. plant and maintain its health and productivity.
