Origin of Coffea intermedia
Coffea intermedia is a plant species belonging to the Rubiaceae family, native to tropical Africa. It is commonly found in Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique.
Common Names of Coffea intermedia
Coffea intermedia is often referred to as the intermediate coffee plant, as it is a hybrid between Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. It is also known as Robusta coffee, but this can lead to confusion, as this term is often used to refer to Coffea canephora itself.
Uses of Coffea intermedia
Coffea intermedia is grown for its coffee beans, which are often used as a substitute for Coffea arabica in areas where this species cannot grow due to environmental conditions. The beans have a higher caffeine content than Coffea arabica, but a lower quality flavor profile. It is also used as a rootstock for grafting Coffea arabica plants, as it is more disease-resistant and adaptable to changing environmental conditions than Coffea arabica itself.
General Appearance of Coffea intermedia
Coffea intermedia is a small to medium-sized tree, typically reaching a height of 4-6 meters. It has a straight trunk and a dense canopy of oval to elliptical-shaped leaves, which are dark green in color and glossy in appearance. The flowers are small and white, arranged in clusters along the branches. The fruit is a small, round, and red berry, containing two seeds inside. The seeds, or coffee beans, are oblong and slightly curved, with a hard outer shell and a greenish-yellow color when ripe.
Light Requirements
Coffea intermedia requires bright but indirect sunlight to thrive. It prefers to grow in partial shade and needs at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. Direct exposure to strong sunlight can cause damage to the leaves and may lead to dehydration of the plant. A window facing east or west provides the best lighting conditions for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Coffea intermedia is between 20-30 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and should be kept away from draughty areas and air conditioning units. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature for the plant as sudden changes in temperature can cause stress, which can lead to the yellowing of leaves and stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Coffea intermedia thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should not be waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and damage the plant. A pH level between 6.0-6.5 is ideal for the plant to grow. Adding sand or perlite to the soil can improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. The soil should be replenished with organic matter annually, especially during the growing season, to provide essential nutrients to the plant.
Cultivation of Coffea intermedia
Coffea intermedia requires warm temperatures to thrive, and it is best grown in tropical climates where the temperature never falls below 60°F (15°C). The plant grows well in areas with partial shade, and it can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
Watering Needs
It is essential to keep the soil moist to ensure proper growth of Coffea intermedia. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the growing season, to prevent the soil from drying out. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure proper drainage.
Fertilization
Coffea intermedia requires regular fertilization to promote growth and encourage the production of flowers and berries. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used during the growing season. Fertilizer should be applied every two weeks, starting from early spring and continuing until late summer.
Pruning
Pruning Coffea intermedia is essential to maintain its shape and promote new growth. The plant should be pruned once a year, preferably during the dormant season. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed to prevent the spread of disease. The plant's height should be maintained by cutting back tall branches, and lateral shoots should be pinched to encourage bushy growth.
Propagation of Coffea intermedia
Coffea intermedia is a tree species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It can be propagated through various methods one of which is by seed.
Propagation by seed
Seeds should be sown as soon as possible after harvest, as they lose viability quickly. The best way to propagate Coffea intermedia via seed is in seedbeds or seed trays filled with light, sterilized soil, and positioned in partially shaded areas. Ideally, the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically takes between two to six weeks.
Cuttings
Cuttings from Coffea intermedia can also be used for propagation. This method is often used in commercial coffee plantations, where large numbers of uniform plants are needed. A length of healthy stem cutting measures between 10 to 20 cm and should be taken from new growth from the previous season.
Air layering
Air layering is a propagation technique that involves making a small cut on the stem of a plant and applying a rooting hormone before wrapping the stem with moist moss or soil and covering it with plastic. This method isolates the area and encourages root growth, eventually leading to the development of a new plant. Air layering can be a suitable method for Coffea intermedia and can take between four to six weeks for root systems to develop.
Disease Management for Coffea intermedia
Coffea intermedia is a robust plant that is resistant to many diseases. However, some common diseases that may affect the plant include:
- Leaf Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and defoliation of leaves. It can be controlled by pruning infected leaves and using fungicides.
- Coffee Berry Disease: This is a fungal disease that affects the coffee berries, causing them to rot. It can be controlled by using resistant varieties, pruning infected parts, and using fungicides.
- Coffee Wilt Disease: This is a bacterial disease that affects the roots of the coffee plant, causing wilting and death. There is no cure for this disease, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
To prevent diseases from affecting the plant, it is important to maintain good cultural practices such as pruning, watering, and fertilization. In addition, removing infected plants and using resistant varieties can help prevent the spread of diseases.
Pest Management for Coffea intermedia
Coffea intermedia is also resistant to many pests, but some common pests that may affect the plant include:
- Coffee Borer Beetles: These beetles bore into the coffee branches and berries, causing damage. They can be controlled by using traps, removing infected branches, and using insecticides.
- Scale Insects: These insects feed on the plant sap, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. They can be controlled by using insecticides or natural predators.
- Coffee White Stem Borer: This pest bores into the coffee stem, causing damage. It can be controlled by removing infected parts and using insecticides.
To prevent pests from affecting the plant, it is important to practice good cultural practices such as keeping the plant healthy and using natural predators. In addition, using insecticides and traps can help control pests.
