Origin
Coffea schumanniana Busse is a flowering plant species of the family Rubiaceae. It is native to Tanzania and was first described by Ernst Hugo Heinrich Pritzel in 1900.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Schumann's coffee, Tanzania coffee, and green-twig coffee.
Uses
Coffea schumanniana Busse is a rare and unique coffee species. It is mainly used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage. However, it has great potential as an ornamental and economic plant as its beans are edible, just like the traditional coffee beans. The coffee beans of this plant have a distinct green coloration and are smaller than the common coffee beans. The flavor profile is also unique with a milder acidity compared to other coffee types. This plant is not commonly cultivated for commercial purposes, but it has a growing interest among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the novelty factor of the coffee.
General Appearance
Coffea schumanniana Busse is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to a height of 3 meters. Its leaves are dark green, shiny and elliptical in shape. The leaves are clustered toward the end of the branches. The base of the leaves is slightly rounded, and the tip is pointed. Coffea schumanniana Busse is an evergreen plant with fragrant flowers that are mostly white, with a light yellow tint. The plant blooms throughout the year, and the flowers appear in clusters of 2-4. The fruit is a drupe, which contains two seeds (the coffee beans). The beans are oblong and have a unique green coloration that fades to yellow and finally to brown as they mature.
Light Requirements
Coffea schumanniana Busse prefers moderate to bright, indirect sunlight. It is essential to avoid direct sunlight as it may damage the leaves. If placed in an area with insufficient lighting, growth may be stunted, and the plant may not flower.
Temperature Requirements
Coffea schumanniana Busse grows best in a temperature range of 60-80°F (15-27°C). Anything below 60°F may cause the plant to wither and die. Hot and dry conditions can cause the leaves to curl and brown. It is best to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the year to keep the plant healthy.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil with excellent aeration is the best for Coffea schumanniana Busse. A pH range of 4.5-6.0 is ideal for coffee plant growth. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases that may harm the plant's growth.
Cultivation
Coffea schumanniana Busse is a rare and exotic plant that requires specific cultivation methods to thrive. It prefers a warm and humid environment with temperatures ranging between 60-75°F. It grows best in well-drained soil with a pH level between 5.0-6.0. This plant requires partial shade to protect its leaves from direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Coffea schumanniana Busse depend on the surrounding environment and soil type. In general, it requires consistent moisture in the soil but does not tolerate standing water. It's important to water regularly but avoid overwatering. The soil should be kept moist during the growing season, and watering can be reduced during the dormant season.
Fertilization
Coffea schumanniana Busse benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be provided in equal amounts. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause damage to the plant's roots.
Pruning
Coffea schumanniana Busse requires minimal pruning, but it's important to remove any dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy. Regular pruning can also help shape the plant and encourage new growth. Prune after the flowering season to prevent cutting off any potential buds or flowers.
Propagation of Coffea schumanniana Busse
Coffea schumanniana Busse, also known as Schumann's coffee, is a rare coffee plant species that is native to Tanzania. Propagation is an essential aspect of plant growth and is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the species. There are several methods of plant propagation, and Coffea schumanniana Busse can propagate both sexually and asexually.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to grow new plants. Coffea schumanniana Busse flowers are self-compatible, meaning the plant can fertilize itself. The flowers can self-pollinate through natural means such as wind or by manually pollinating them with a brush. Once the plant is pollinated, the fruit, known as a coffee cherry, will grow around the seed. After removing the desired seeds, the seeds should be dried and stored in a cool, dry place to preserve their viability. Sow the seeds in pots or directly in the ground. The germination of the seeds is slow and may take several weeks to months.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation involves the use of vegetative plant parts to grow new plants. Coffea schumanniana Busse can be propagated through stem cuttings. Select healthy stems, free of any diseases, and cut them into 6-inch sections. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip it into a rooting hormone. Place the cutting into a container filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, and roots should start to develop within a few weeks. Transplant the rooted cuttings to individual pots or directly in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Coffea schumanniana Busse
Coffea schumanniana Busse is a coffee plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Coffee crops are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases that can reduce productivity and quality. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect your Coffea schumanniana plant, as well as suggestions for managing them.
Diseases
Coffee Leaf Rust - This fungal disease appears as yellow-orange spores on the underside of leaves, causing defoliation in severe cases. To manage, use resistant coffee cultivars, and clear out weed hosts in the vicinity.
Root Rot - Excessive moisture in the soil encourages fungal growth that leads to root rot. Symptoms include yellowing foliage followed by wilting, and eventual death. Preventing over-watering, proper soil drainage, and using sterilized soil can help manage the disease.
Coffee Berry Disease - This fungal infection affects coffee cherries where it enters through the puncture wound on the under-developed fruit. The disease causes shriveling and dropping of cherry. Rake beneath coffee plants and dispose of the litter to decrease the disease cycle.
Pests
Coffee Berry Borer - It is the most severe pest affecting coffee worldwide and has become widespread due to increased temperature and changes in rainfall patterns associated with climate change. The beetle feeds on coffee cherries, causing quality loss. Clean and bury all fallen berries and use recommended insecticides for maximum control.
Coffee White Stem Borer - The pest feeds on stem causing withering and even death of the plant. Proper hygienic measures, such as pruning, removing and burning infested parts, and using recommended insecticides can help manage the pest.
Antestia Bugs - The pest is a major problem in East African coffee-growing regions. It feeds on tender coffee shoots, fruits, and seeds, causing fruit drop, malformation, and significant quality breaches. Pruning, cleaning, and using insecticide treatments when necessary are useful in managing this pest.
For any disease or pest issues not listed here, it is essential to contact your local agricultural extension office to provide further guidance on managing the problem. Regular maintenance of Coffea schumanniana is essential to prevent and manage diseases and pests.
