Coffea Laurina Smeathman Ex Dc.

Origin of Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC.

Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC., also known as the Bourbon Pointu, is a coffee species that originated in the highlands of Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. The plant is a rare variety of coffee that grows in a narrow range of altitudes, between 600 and 1,200 meters. It is a member of the Rubiaceae family, which includes over 13,000 species of plants, and is closely related to other coffee species such as Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora.

Common Names

The Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC. plant is commonly known as "Bourbon Pointu" due to the pointed shape of its leaves. It is also known by other names such as "La Reunion Island coffee," "Napoleon coffee," "Saint-Paul coffee," and "Mauritius coffee."

Uses

Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC. is highly valued for its unique and exceptional flavor. The coffee produced by this plant is known for its low acidity and bright citrus notes, with a delicate and floral aroma. It is considered one of the finest and rarest coffees in the world, and is often used by connoisseurs for its exceptional taste. The plant is also cultivated for ornamental purposes, as its pointed leaves and delicate flowers make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes.

General Appearance

Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC. is a small tree that grows up to 5 meters tall. The plant has dark green, glossy leaves that are pointed at the tips, giving it a distinctive appearance. The flowers are white and fragrant, and are followed by red berries that contain the coffee beans. The beans are small and oval-shaped, with a characteristic pointed end, which gives them their common name "Bourbon Pointu." The plant requires a tropical or subtropical climate with an average temperature of 18-28°C and moderate rainfall, making it a suitable crop for countries such as Reunion Island, Mauritius, and Madagascar.

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Light Conditions

Coffea laurina grows best in partially shaded areas receiving about 50% to 70% of full sunlight. However, it can also tolerate full sun exposure for a limited period of time.

Temperature

The optimum temperature for Coffea laurina growth is between 20°C and 25°C. Temperatures below 15°C can cause damage to the plant, while temperatures above 30°C can hinder growth and fruiting.

Soil Requirements

Coffea laurina thrives in well-drained soils with pH ranging from 5.0 to 6.5. It prefers loamy or sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. Heavy clay soils should be avoided as they hinder root growth, and waterlogged soils can cause root rot.

Cultivation methods

The Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC., also known as the Bourbon coffee plant, is a tropical evergreen shrub. It requires warm temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall to thrive. As such, it is commonly grown in the tropical regions of the world, including South America, Africa, and Asia.

The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It also needs to be grown in a location that receives plenty of direct sunlight, preferably in the morning or late afternoon to avoid scorching the leaves.

In terms of propagation, Bourbon coffee plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting, while cuttings should be taken from the upper portion of the plant and rooted in a moist rooting medium.

Watering needs

Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC. requires regular watering to thrive. The plant should be watered deeply but infrequently to prevent root rot. A general rule of thumb is to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

When watering, it is essential to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can promote the growth of fungal diseases. Instead, aim to water the base of the plant directly.

Fertilization

Bourbon coffee plants require regular fertilization to thrive. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied every two to three months during the growing season (spring and summer).

To ensure even distribution of the fertilizer, it is recommended to apply it evenly around the base of the plant, but not close to the stem, as this can burn the roots.

Pruning

Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC. requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant period (late fall or early winter) when it is not actively growing.

The main goal of pruning is to remove any dead or diseased branches and promote new growth. It is also a good opportunity to thin out the plant and remove any overcrowded or crossing branches.

When pruning, it is important to use clean, sharp tools to prevent damage to the plant. It is also recommended to prune selectively, as removing too much foliage can stress the plant and reduce its overall productivity.

Propagation of Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC.

Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC., commonly known as Bourbon Pointu or Laurina coffee, is a rare species of coffee plant that is native to the Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. Propagation of this plant can be carried out through both sexual and asexual methods.

Sexual Propagation

Sexual propagation of Coffea laurina involves the use of seeds. The seeds of this plant are recalcitrant, which means that they have a short lifespan and cannot be stored for a long time. Therefore, it is advisable to use fresh seeds for propagation. The seeds are first soaked in water for 24 hours to promote germination.

The seeds are then sown in trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. The trays should be placed in a warm and moist environment, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. The seeds should germinate within 3 to 6 weeks.

Asexual propagation

Coffea laurina can be propagated asexually through the use of stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The best time to take cuttings is during the active growing season, which is usually from spring to summer.

The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm long, with a diameter of 4 to 6 mm. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to promote root development.

The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and placed in a warm and humid environment. The cuttings should be watered regularly, but care should be taken not to overwater as this can lead to rotting of the cuttings. The cuttings should root within 3 to 4 weeks.

In conclusion, Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. However, asexual propagation through stem cuttings is the preferred method as it allows for the production of plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.

Disease and Pest Management for Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC.

Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC. is a plant species that is commercially grown for its high-quality coffee beans. The plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Effective disease and pest management are essential to ensure a healthy and sustainable coffee plantation.

Common Diseases

Hemileia vastatrix: This is one of the most devastating diseases affecting Coffea laurina. It is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves of the plant, causing them to become yellow and fall off. Infected plants may also produce smaller and inferior quality coffee beans. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune and remove infected plants and spray with fungicides.

Coffee Berry Disease: This is caused by a fungus called Colletotrichum kahawae. It affects the berries of the plant, causing them to turn black and rot. This disease spreads quickly and can result in significant crop losses. To manage this disease, it is essential to regularly prune and remove infected plants and spray with fungicides.

Anthracnose: This is another fungal disease that affects the leaves, branches, and berries of the Coffea laurina plant. It causes brown or black spots on the leaves, and the berries turn black and drop prematurely. To manage anthracnose, prune and remove infected plants, and spray with fungicides.

Common Pests

Coffee Borer Beetle: This is one of the most damaging pests affecting Coffea laurina. The beetle bores into the branches and stems of the plant, causing damage that can lead to reduced yields and even death of the plant. To manage this pest, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts and use insecticides.

Coffee Leaf Miner: This is a small moth whose larvae tunnel through the leaves of the Coffea laurina plant. Infestations can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop, which can lead to reduced yields in the long run. To manage this pest, it is important to spray with insecticides and regularly remove infected leaves and branches.

Coffee Mealybug: This is a common pest that can cause serious damage to the Coffea laurina plant. These small insects suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop. Infestations can also lead to the growth of sooty mold on plant parts. To manage this pest, it is important to use insecticides and remove infected plant parts.

In conclusion, Coffea laurina Smeathman ex DC. is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can significantly impact the quality and quantity of coffee bean production. Effective disease and pest management involves regular pruning of infected plant parts and the use of appropriate fungicides and insecticides to prevent the spread of disease and the growth of pests.