Origin
Coffea swynnertonii S. Moore, commonly known as Swynnerton’s coffee, is a species of coffee plant that is native to Tanzania and Malawi in Africa. It was first discovered by botanist William George Angus Swynnerton, after whom it was named, in 1905 on the Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania.
Common Names
In addition to Swynnerton’s coffee, Coffea swynnertonii goes by a variety of other common names such as Uluguru coffee, mountain coffee, and Tanzania coffee.
Uses
Coffea swynnertonii has limited commercial value in the coffee industry due to its low yields and small bean size. However, it is of significant scientific interest as a wild coffee species with unique genetic characteristics that could be utilized in coffee breeding programs.
It is also used by the local communities in Tanzania and Malawi for medicinal purposes, such as treating fever and stomach ailments. The leaves, bark, and roots are boiled and consumed as a tea or soup, or the plants are chewed raw for their medicinal properties.
General Appearance
Coffea swynnertonii is a small tree or shrub that typically grows up to 5 meters tall. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oblong-shaped, measuring 10-20 cm in length and 4-8 cm in width. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, growing in clusters on the branches.
The fruit of Coffea swynnertonii is a small red berry that contains two small seeds or beans. The beans are small and round, measuring 5-6 mm in diameter. The plant prefers high altitude regions with cool temperatures and high rainfall and is found growing wild in the Uluguru Mountains, the Nguru Mountains, and the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, as well as in northern Malawi.
Light Requirements
Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore grows best in partially shaded areas with filtered sunlight. It can tolerate direct sunlight, but too much can lead to sunburn and subsequent damage.
Temperature Requirements
These plants prefer warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. They can still grow in cooler temperatures, but growth will be slower. Temperatures below 10°C are detrimental to the plant's survival.
Soil Requirements
The optimal soil for Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore is well-draining and fertile. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal. The soil should also be slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss and perlite should also work well.
Cultivation Methods for Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore
Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore is a rare species of coffee plant, primarily found in Tanzania. It is a relatively compact plant that grows up to 5 meters in height and is best cultivated in a temperature range of 15 to 25 °C. It flourishes in partially shaded areas and favors well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
The seedlings of this plant should be carefully transplanted into the soil when they have grown their second set of leaves. The potting mixture should contain equal parts of peat, sand, and loam to promote root growth.
Watering Needs for Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore
For successful cultivation, the Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore requires regular watering. The plant should be watered regularly, but not excessively. Overwatering may lead to waterlogging and root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's growth and survival.
The best time to water the plant is early in the morning or late in the evening, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soaked. During the dry season, the soil should be kept moist by the regular use of mulch.
Fertilization for Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore
Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore responds well to regular fertilization. The plant should be fertilized every three months using a balanced, slow-release, and high-nitrogen fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied around the root zone and watered in immediately to prevent leaf burn.
Organic fertilizers such as compost can also be used to supplement the plant's nutrient requirement. However, care should be taken to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to leaf drop and other plant health problems.
Pruning for Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore
Pruning is essential to promote the growth and productivity of Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore. Pruning should be done after the plant flowers and only when it starts producing new shoots. The primary aim of pruning is to remove the old, unproductive, and diseased branches to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape.
It is advisable to prune Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore in stages, avoiding too much pruning at once, which can lead to shock and harm the plant. The pruned branches should be removed from the site to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore
Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore, commonly known as Swynnerton's coffee, is a plant species belonging to the family Rubiaceae. The species is endemic to Tanzania and is categorized as critically endangered, with a population decline of more than 80% over the past three generations.
Propagating Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore
The propagation of Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore can be done through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Propagating Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore using seeds requires demucilaging, which is removing the mucilaginous layer surrounding the coffee bean. After removing the mucilage layer, the seed should be dried for about two days before being planted in seedling trays or polybags. Germination for Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore occurs between 30 to 35 days after sowing.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation of Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore using cuttings is another efficient method. The cutting should be taken from a healthy and mature plant. The best time to take the cuttings is during the rainy season, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance its rooting performance. Once dipped in the rooting hormone, the cutting should be planted in a potting mixture and adequately watered.
Air-layering propagation
Another possible method of propagating Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore is through air-layering. In air-layering, the branch of a mature plant is wounded by peeling off a specific section of the bark. The wounded section is then wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and covered with a plastic bag. The branch is then left undisturbed for a few months, and once the roots have formed, the branch can be cut off and planted in potting soil.
Overall, Coffea swynnertonii S.Moore can be propagated through various methods like seed propagation, cuttings, and air-layering. However, the most effective method for propagating these endangered plants can be determined by careful consideration of the resources, equipment, and space available.
Disease and Pest Management for Coffea swynnertonii
Coffea swynnertonii is a plant that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. To ensure healthy growth and optimal yield, it is important to manage these issues effectively. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Coffee Leaf Rust: This is a common disease that affects several coffee species, including Coffea swynnertonii. It appears as yellow or rust-colored spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to monitor the plant frequently and remove any infected leaves immediately. Fungicides such as copper-based products can also be applied preventively.
Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, leading to stunted growth and wilting. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be applied to the soil to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Pests
Coffee Berry Borer: This is a small beetle that bores into the coffee berries and lays its eggs. The larvae feed on the coffee beans, leading to reduced yield and quality. To manage this pest, it is important to monitor the plant frequently and remove any infected berries. Insecticides can also be applied preventively.
Ants: Ants are attracted to the sweet nectar that is produced by the plant. However, they can also protect and farm other pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and scales. To manage this pest, it is important to monitor the plant frequently and control ant populations using baits or repellents.
By managing these diseases and pests, Coffea swynnertonii can thrive and produce high-quality beans.
