Coffea Excelsioides Portères

Introduction

Coffea excelsioides Portères is a plant species that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is commonly known as Madagascan coffee and is a close relative of the coffee plant Coffea arabica.

Origin

Madagascan coffee is native to the island of Madagascar, located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. The plant is specifically found in the eastern highlands of Madagascar, where it grows in the moist, montane forests at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,600 meters.

Appearance

Madagascan coffee is a small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It has a thin stem and branches that are covered in a smooth, grayish-brown bark. The leaves are dark-green in color, shiny, and elliptical in shape, measuring around 10–20 cm in length and 5–10 cm in width. The flowers are small, white, and grow in clusters at the base of the leaves. The fruit of the plant is a berry that starts off green and turns a bright red when fully ripe. The berry is around 1 cm in diameter and contains two seeds, which are the coffee beans.

Uses

Madagascan coffee is not widely cultivated for commercial purposes, unlike Coffea arabica, because its beans are considered too small to be economically significant. However, the plant is used by the local Malagasy people as a source of herbal medicine. The leaves and bark of the tree are pounded and boiled to create a decoction that is used to treat a variety of ailments, such as headaches, fever, and stomachaches. The seeds are also eaten by some of the local people as a food source.here

Light Requirements

Coffea excelsioides Portères thrives in bright, indirect light. It is recommended to place the plant near a window that faces east, west or south. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight for extended periods as it may scorch the leaves.

Temperature Requirements

Coffea excelsioides Portères prefers moderate temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15.5°C to 26.7°C). The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 90°F (32.2°C) as it may lead to stunted growth, leaf drop, and root damage.

Soil Requirements

The plant grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is recommended for the soil. Coffea excelsioides Portères prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5.

Cultivation Methods

Coffea excelsioides Portères is a versatile plant when it comes to cultivation, having the ability to thrive in various conditions. The ideal location for planting this plant is in an area that receives sufficient sunlight, partial shade, and a moderate temperature range of 18-24°C. The plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It's also important to plant Coffea excelsioides Portères away from other larger trees that may compete for nutrients and sunlight.

Watering Needs

The Coffea excelsioides Portères plant requires moderate watering. The aim is to keep the soil moist, not too dry and not too wet. During the growing season, it's advisable to water the plant occasionally, with an emphasis on increasing the moisture level when the topsoil becomes dry to the touch. During the winter and the plant's dormant stage, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging that could lead to rooting problems.

Fertilization

Coffee excelsioides Portères thrives in nutrient-rich soil. As such, it needs regular fertilization to provide the necessary nutrients. It's advisable to feed the plant using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with essential minerals once every two weeks during the growing season. During the dormant season, fertilization can be done sparingly to prevent over-fertilization leading to root damage.

Pruning

Pruning is critical to Coffea excelsioides Portères' growth patterns and overall health. Regular pruning ensures that the plant has the right shape and size, removing any damaged or dead material. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, usually late winter or early spring, when the plant is not actively growing. Avoid pruning the plant when it's in its active growth phase as this could damage the coffee plant.

Propagation of Coffea excelsioides Portères

Coffea excelsioides Portères is a rare coffee plant species native to the highlands of Madagascar. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through various methods.

Seed propagation

Propagation through seeds is the most common method for Coffea excelsioides Portères. The seeds must be fresh and healthy for successful propagation. Sow the seeds in a pot with well-draining soil and place it in a warm, partially shaded spot. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Germination typically occurs within 3-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted once they are large enough to handle.

Cuttings propagation

Propagation through cuttings is also possible, but it is not the preferred method. Take cuttings from healthy and mature plants, typically 8-10 cm in length with at least 2-3 nodes present. Strip the lower leaves and dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone. Insert the cuttings into a pot with well-draining soil and keep it moist. The cuttings will begin to root within 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted once they have established roots.

Air layering propagation

Air layering can also be used for Coffea excelsioides Portères propagation. Choose a healthy and mature stem and make a shallow cut where the roots are desired. Apply rooting hormone and cover the cut with moist soil or moss. Wrap the area with plastic to maintain moisture and humidity. Once roots have formed, cut the stem below the area where the roots have developed and transplant it to a pot with well-draining soil.

Regardless of the propagation method you choose, Coffea excelsioides Portères requires a warm and humid environment to grow successfully. Avoid direct sunlight and keep the soil moist but not overly wet.

Disease and Pest Management for Coffea excelsioides Portères

Coffea excelsioides Portères is a species of coffee plant that is native to Madagascar and is grown for its high-quality coffee beans. However, like most plants, it is vulnerable to diseases and pests, which can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.

Diseases

Coffee Berry Disease (CBD)

It is caused by a fungus called Colletotrichum kahawae and is characterized by the wilting of flowers and developing berries. The affected berries become brown and hard, and when cut open, they show a pinkish or reddish discoloration.

The best way to manage CBD is to plant resistant varieties. Pruning and removing infected plants can also reduce the chances of the disease spreading. Fungicides can be used to manage the disease if the problem is severe.

Leaf Rust

The disease is caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix, which mainly affects the leaves of the plant, causing yellow spots that gradually turn brown. Severe infections can cause defoliation, leading to a decrease in the plant's productivity.

Planting resistant varieties is the best way to manage leaf rust. Pruning and removing infected leaves can also help to reduce the spread of the disease. Fungicides can be used if the problem persists.

Pests

Coffee Berry Borer (CBB)

This is a small beetle that infests coffee berries and causes severe damage to the plant. The beetle lays its eggs inside the berry, and the larvae feed on the seeds, reducing the yield and quality of the coffee beans.

The best way to manage CBB is to use pheromone traps to monitor and control the population. Keeping the plantation clean and eliminating any ripe or overripe berries can also help to reduce the population. In severe cases, insecticides can be used.

Ants

Ants are attracted to the sweet nectar produced by the coffee plant's flowers and can impact the plant's growth and development by protecting harmful pests like scales and mealybugs.

Trimming the shade trees surrounding the plantation and using ant baits can help reduce ant populations. Planting shade trees that do not attract ants can also be helpful.

By following these disease and pest management practices, farmers can maintain healthy coffee plantations and ensure high-quality coffee production.