Coffea Hypoglauca Welw. Ex Hiern

Origin and Common Names

Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern is a species of flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family and is native to Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. It is commonly known as Angola coffee or blue-leaved coffee due to its bluish-green leaves.

Appearance

The Angola coffee plant is a tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall in the wild. Its leaves are elliptical or oblong shaped, measuring 5 to 22 cm in length and 2 to 10 cm in width. The leaves have a bluish-green color on the upper surface, while the lower surface is covered with a dense layer of grayish-white hairs. The bark of the tree is rough and fissured, with a gray or brownish-grey color.

Uses

The seeds of Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern are often used to make a type of coffee. While not as famous as Coffea arabica or Coffea robusta, Angola coffee is known for its rich and smooth flavor with low acidity. The plant is also grown as an ornamental due to its attractive leaves and bark, and it is sometimes used for timber. Additionally, in traditional medicine, various parts of the plant have been used to treat ailments, such as stomach pain and fever.

here

Light Conditions

Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern, commonly known as the blue-leaved coffee, requires partial shade to grow. It is not adjusted to direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn to the leaves. The optimum light requirement ranges between 50% - 80%. Inadequate light levels will lead to the plant stretching towards sunlight, causing tenuous stems and foliage.

Temperature Conditions

Coffea hypoglauca can grow well in temperatures between 15°C - 27°C. The optimal temperature range is between 20°C - 24°C. The plant tends to go dormant during temperatures below 13°C and can suffer from frost damage. High temperatures can cause scorching, leading to the leaves' death.

Soil Conditions

Coffea hypoglauca requires well-drained soil with a pH ranging between 5.2 to 6.5 and high organic matter content. The soil must have excellent water holding capability to support the plant's growth during the dry season. Sea loam or sand with high humus content is suitable for the plant's growth; however, heavy clay soil must be avoided. Additionally, coffee plants are salt-sensitive, and the soil must be free of any salts or harmful chemicals that might hinder their development.

Cultivation of Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern

Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern, also known as the blue-leaved coffee plant, can be grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a warm and humid environment, and it can be cultivated in both full sun and partial shade.

Watering Needs of Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern

The blue-leaved coffee plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater as this can result in root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilization of Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern

Feed Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. The fertilizer should be specifically designed for acidic soil as the blue-leaved coffee plant grows best in slightly acidic soil.

Pruning of Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern

Prune Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches. You can also prune to maintain the plant's shape and encourage new growth. Use sterilized pruning shears and make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle.

Propagation of Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern

Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or grafting.

Propagation through Seeds

The seeds of Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern have a hard outer shell, and they require scarification for successful germination. Scarification can be carried out by soaking the seeds in hot water for a few minutes. After scarification, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining mix of organic matter and sand. The pot should be placed in a warm location with partial shade. The seeds usually germinate within 6 to 8 weeks.

Propagation through Cuttings

Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern is amenable to vegetative propagation through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, and they should be about 15-20 cm long. The leaves at the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting can be planted in a well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss. The pot should be kept in a warm and humid location. The cutting usually roots within 4 to 6 weeks.

Propagation through Grafting

Grafting can also be used to propagate Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern. The scion wood should be taken from the current season's growth, and it should be about 10-15 cm long. The rootstock should be a closely related species of Coffea, such as Coffea arabica or Coffea canephora. The graft union should be made using the cleft grafting method, and the graft should be secured with grafting tape. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm and humid location, and it should be watered regularly. The plant usually takes about 6 months to establish.

Disease and Pest Management for Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern

Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern, commonly known as the forest coffee, is a plant species highly susceptible to various diseases and pest infestations. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect this plant and how to manage them:

Diseases

Leaf rust: Leaf rust is a fungal disease that appears as yellow-orange spots on the leaves. The disease can cause leaf drop, leading to stunted growth and decreased productivity. The best way to manage leaf rust is to remove and destroy infected leaves and maintain good plant hygiene by avoiding overcrowding and applying adequate fertilizers to increase plant vigor.

Coffee berry disease: Coffee berry disease is caused by a fungus that can cause the berries to rot and drop prematurely, reducing yield. It manifests as brown lesions, which can spread to the branches and lead to defoliation. Cultural practices such as pruning and spacing can help with disease management, and fungicides can be sprayed before the onset of the rainy season to prevent infection.

Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal infection that can cause sunken lesions on the coffee berries, leading to rotting and reduced yield. Cleaning up fallen leaves and debris can help prevent anthracnose, and applying copper-based fungicides can help control the spread of the disease.

Pests

Coffee berry borer: Coffee berry borer is a small beetle that can cause significant damage to coffee berries. Infested berries can have a sour taste, and in severe cases, the resulting berry drop can lead to reduced yield. To manage this pest, regular monitoring and the use of pheromone traps can help detect and prevent further damage. Cultural practices such as pruning can also help to reduce infestation rates.

Leaf miners: Leaf miners are tiny larvae that burrow through the leaves, causing considerable damage to the plant. This pest can reduce plant growth and yield, especially if the infestation is severe. The use of pesticides or predatory insects can help control the population of leaf miners, and maintaining good plant hygiene can help reduce the incidence of the pest.

In conclusion, maintaining good plant hygiene, using appropriate cultural practices, and applying pesticides or fungicides when necessary can help control the spread of diseases and pests in Coffea hypoglauca Welw. ex Hiern, thereby promoting plant growth and yield.