Overview
Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev., also known as Myrtle-leaf coffee, is a plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The plant is a rare type of coffee that is endemic to Madagascar. It is a small shrub that typically grows up to 2 meters in height. Myrtle-leaf coffee is a slow-growing plant that requires specific growing conditions, and it is known for its distinct aroma and flavor.
Appearance
The plant has small, narrow leaves that are reminiscent of myrtle leaves, hence its common name 'Myrtle-leaf coffee'. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a pointed tip and a wavy margin that may be slightly toothed. The plant produces small, white flowers that are arranged in clusters, and the fruit is a small, red berry that contains the coffee beans. Unlike traditional coffee plants, myrtle-leaf coffee has a more compact growth habit with shorter internodes, which results in a more bushy appearance.
Usage
Myrtle-leaf coffee is grown for its beans, which are used to produce coffee. The coffee beans have a unique flavor profile that is described as being a mix between traditional coffee and tea. The delicate, floral taste of myrtle-leaf coffee is highly prized, and the beans are often used to make specialty coffees. The coffee beans are also used for medicinal purposes in Madagascar, where they are believed to have properties that can help treat respiratory ailments and digestive disorders. The wood from the plant is also used to make furniture and tools.
Cultivation
Myrtle-leaf coffee plants are native to Madagascar and are typically grown at elevations between 800 and 1,200 meters, in areas with a warm, humid, and temperate climate. They prefer well-drained soils with high organic content and tolerate partial shade. The plant requires a specific pruning technique to maintain its bushy shape and stimulate growth. Myrtle-leaf coffee is a slow-growing plant, and the beans take longer to mature than traditional coffee beans. As a result, it is a relatively rare type of coffee, and production is limited.
Overall, Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. is a unique and fascinating plant that is highly valued for its distinct coffee beans, as well as for its wood. While it is becoming increasingly popular in specialty coffee markets, it remains a relatively rare and exotic plant, native to the island of Madagascar.Growth Conditions for Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev.
Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. is a tropical evergreen plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The growth of this plant is favored by specific conditions of light, temperature, and soil.
Light Requirements
The Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. requires adequate light conditions for proper growth and development. The plant needs bright and indirect sunlight, and it is best suited for partial shade. Direct sunlight can be damaging to the plant and can cause leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. is a tropical plant and requires warm temperatures for proper growth. The plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit can harm the plant, and extreme heat can lead to leaf wilting, discoloration, and growth stunting.
Soil Requirements
The Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. The soil should have good water retention capacity, but it shouldn't be waterlogged. The soil type should be loamy, rich in organic matter, and have a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. The plant requires adequate soil moisture levels, but overwatering can cause root rot.
Providing suitable light, temperature, and soil conditions is critical to the successful growth of the Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. plant. Attention to these growth conditions will ensure the plant develops into a healthy and productive adult plant.
Cultivation methods
Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. is mainly grown in tropical regions with altitudes ranging from 300 to 1500 meters above sea level. It thrives in well-drained and moderately fertile soil. The plant requires sufficient sunlight preferably without direct exposure to intense sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. can be propagated either through seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs
Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. needs sufficient water supply for growth and fruiting. The recommended irrigation frequency is once every two days during the dry season. Make sure to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The plant requires consistent moisture to prevent stress and ensure a high yield.
Fertilization
Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. requires a sufficient amount of nutrients for adequate growth. Fertilizer should be supplied every three months during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure are ideal for providing nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium. Additionally, phosphate-rich fertilizers are suitable for promoting better flower formation and fruiting.
Pruning
Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. requires regular pruning to maintain optimal growth. Begin pruning when the plant reaches a height of 60-80 cm. The aim of pruning is to promote branching and vegetative growth. Always remove diseased, damaged, and dead branches to prevent the spread of diseases. Pruned branches can be dried and used as firewood or mulch.
Propagation of Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev.
Propagation is the process of creating new individuals from an existing plant through various means. Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev, commonly known as the Myrtle Coffee, can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev is by seeds. The seeds should be collected from healthy, mature fruits and then cleaned and dried. Afterward, the seeds can be sowed in a seedbed and covered with a layer of soil. Ensure that the soil is kept moist and maintained at a temperature of 22-25°C. Germination should occur within 4-6 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings, from the current season's growth, can be taken, and their leaves should be trimmed by half. Ensure that the cuttings are about 6-8 cm long and have at least two nodes. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder and then insert it into a rooting medium. The medium should consist of a mix of sand and peat and must be kept moist. Rooting should occur within four weeks.
Layering Propagation
Layering is another possible method of propagating Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. In this method, a low branch of the mother plant is bent and buried in a shallow trench. The branch should be held down by a wire or peg and must have a small cut made in the bark to promote root formation. After rooting occurs, the new plant can be separated from the parent and planted elsewhere. Layering is a slower process of propagation, taking up to a year or more.
Disease Management:
Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. is a coffee plant species that is prone to several diseases. The most common diseases include coffee leaf rust, coffee berry disease, and root-knot nematodes.
Coffee Leaf Rust: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves of the plant, causing yellow-orange rust-colored spots. The leaves eventually fall off, and the plant may become stressed and produce fewer berries. To manage this disease, avoid planting in areas with high humidity and moisture. It's also essential to ensure that the plants are adequately fertilized to promote healthy growth.
Coffee Berry Disease: This disease caused by a fungus also attacks the plant's berries. The infected berries will turn black and fall off, reducing the plant's overall yield. To manage this disease, prune infected areas as soon as possible and avoid over-irrigating the plants.
Root-Knot Nematodes: These are parasitic worms that attack the plant's roots, causing the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage this disease, avoid planting infected plants or in areas with high nematode populations. You can also treat the soil with nematicides before planting the crop.
Pest Management:
Coffea racemosa Lour. var. myrtoidea A.Chev. is also prone to several pests, including coffee berry borers, leaf miners, and aphids. These pests can significantly reduce the plant's productivity and affect the quality of coffee beans.
Coffee Berry Borers: These are small beetles that bore into the berries and lay eggs inside. The larvae feed on the beans, causing significant damage. To manage this pest, pick infected beans as soon as possible and destroy them to prevent further spread. You can also use insecticides to control the population.
Leaf Miners: These are insects that damage the plant's leaves by tunneling through them. This damage reduces the plant's ability to carry out photosynthesis, leading to stress. To manage this pest, prune infected branches and promote proper plant nutrition to stimulate new growth.
Aphids: These are small insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage this pest, you can use insecticides or introduce natural predators like ladybugs to your crop.
