Overview of Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson
Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson, also known as the mountain coffee, is a species of flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to the high altitude areas of southern Ethiopia and is believed to be one of the ancestors of the commercial coffee plant.
Common Names
The plant has different common names depending on the region where it grows. In Ethiopia, it is commonly called "Buno" which means mountain. It is also known as "Guraferda coffee" in reference to the Guraferda district where it was discovered.
Uses
The Coffea salvatrix plant is not widely cultivated and is mostly found in its natural habitat, where it has been used for centuries by the local communities. The beans of this coffee plant are smaller than those of commercial coffee, and have a distinct taste. The coffee has a floral and citrus aroma, with a sweet and bright taste that is slightly acidic. It is highly valued by coffee connoisseurs for its unique flavors and aromas.
In addition to its use as a source of coffee, the plant has also been used by the local communities for medicinal purposes. Traditional healers in the region use the bark, roots and leaves of the plant to treat various ailments such as stomach disorders and fevers.
General Appearance
The Coffea salvatrix plant is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 6 meters high, although it is usually smaller in the wild. The leaves are dark green, shiny and elongated, with a pointed apex and a narrow base. The flowers are white, small and fragrant, and are followed by small, round berries that turn red when ripe. The berries contain two seeds, which are the coffee beans.
The plant grows in high altitude areas, where the cool temperatures and rich soils provide ideal growing conditions. It is often found growing alongside other native plants such as juniper and bamboo, forming a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for other plants and animals.
Growth Conditions of Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson
Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson, commonly referred to as the "wild coffee tree," is a species of coffee that is native to the Soutpansberg Mountains of South Africa. In order for Coffea salvatrix to thrive, it requires specific growth conditions.
Light Requirements
Coffea salvatrix requires a significant amount of sunlight in order to grow properly. It is best grown in areas with partially shaded to full sun conditions. If the plant receives too little sunlight, it will grow spindly and weak.
Temperature Requirements
Wild coffee trees require warm temperatures to grow, making them ideally suited to tropical and subtropical climates. They grow best in areas with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 24°C. Coffea salvatrix can be damaged by frost or prolonged periods of cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The soil in which Coffea salvatrix is planted is critical to its growth and health. It is adapted to grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soils with a pH range of 5.6 to 6.6. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and have good water retention properties. The root system of Coffea salvatrix is relatively shallow, so the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson is a plant that grows well in warm and humid conditions. It requires well-draining soil, and the ideal pH range for the soil should be between 6 and 6.5. The plant needs ample sunlight, but it also needs some shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. If you decide to plant from seeds, soak them in water for at least 24 hours before planting. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the branches and planted in well-draining, moist soil. The plant should be watered immediately after planting and then watered regularly thereafter.
Watering Needs
Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The plant prefers moist soil but should not be waterlogged. Water the plant deeply and then allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. During the winter months, the plant should be watered less frequently, as its growth slows down during this period.
Fertilization
The plant needs regular fertilization to support its growth and production. A balanced fertilizer with an equal proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) is recommended. Fertilizer should be applied every three to four months during the growing season. However, over-fertilization should be avoided, as this may lead to an excess growth of foliage at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning
Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote proper growth. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season. Pruning should be done to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any suckers that may have formed on the plant. Pruning also helps to promote proper airflow within the plant, which reduces the risk of pests and diseases.
In summary, Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson requires warm and humid conditions, well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and regular watering. It needs balanced fertilization and regular pruning to promote healthy growth and fruit production. By following these guidelines, you can cultivate and care for this plant successfully.
Propagation of Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson
Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson, commonly known as the Forest coffee, is a plant that is propagated using various methods. The propagation methods include:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Coffea salvatrix is through seed propagation. Care should be taken to select the right type of seeds from healthy trees to ensure the germination and growth of healthy plants. The seeds should be collected from the ripe berries after washing them thoroughly to remove any pulp or flesh.
The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mixed with organic matter. It is essential to keep the soil moist during germination. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual containers once they have developed a few sets of leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a preferred method for Coffea salvatrix as it maintains the desirable traits of the parent plant. The method includes grafting or rooting cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy trees with a diameter of at least 1 cm and a length of 15-20cm.
The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting in a mixture of soil and organic matter. The soil should be kept moist during the rooting period. Grafting can be done using a cleft or side grafting method. The scion and rootstock should be of similar size for success.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagation that is not widely used for Coffea salvatrix. It involves wounding a branch and wrapping it with moist soil to encourage root growth. Once the roots have developed, the branch can be cut and planted in a container with well-draining soil and kept moist.
Propagation of Coffea salvatrix should be done during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing for the best success rate.
Disease and Pest Management for Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson
Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson, commonly known as Wild Coffee or Forest Coffee, is a species of coffee plant found in the wild. The plant is susceptible to some diseases and pests that can cause damage and decrease coffee yields if not managed properly. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Coffee Leaf Rust: Coffee Leaf Rust is a fungal disease that appears as yellow-orange powdery spots on the leaves. It can cause defoliation, reduced yield, and sometimes death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to use resistant cultivars and fungicides. Additionally, pruning can help to remove infected leaves and reduce the spread of the disease.
Coffee Berry Disease: Coffee Berry Disease is caused by a bacterium and affects the berries. Infected berries turn black and become mummified, reducing yield and quality. To manage the disease, it is recommended to remove infected berries and use resistant cultivars and chemical control.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, twigs, and berries of the plant. Infected leaves have brown spots, which cause defoliation and reduction of yield. To manage the disease, it is recommended to prune infected branches and use fungicides.
Pests
Coffee Berry Borer: Coffee Berry Borer is a beetle that bores into the coffee berries, reducing yield and quality. To manage the pest, it is recommended to use pheromone traps, organic control such as Beauveria bassiana, and chemical insecticides.
Ants: Ants are attracted to the sweet nectar found on the coffee berries and can help spread the Coffee Berry Borer. To manage the pest, it is recommended to remove weeds and debris near the coffee plants. Additionally, it is advised to use sticky bands or chemical control around the trunk of the plant to prevent ants from reaching the berries.
Leaf Miners: Leaf Miners are insects that lay their eggs on the underside of coffee leaves. The hatched larvae tunnel inside the leaves, causing damage and reducing the plant's photosynthetic capacity. To manage the pest, it is recommended to prune infected leaves and use insecticides or biological control methods such as parasitic wasps and nematodes.
By implementing effective disease and pest management strategies, the Coffea salvatrix Swynn. & Phillipson plant can thrive and produce high-quality coffee beans. It is important to consult with experts and local resources to determine the most effective management methods for specific regions and conditions.
