Overview of Cola altissima Engl.
Cola altissima Engl. is a species of tree in the family Malvaceae. It is commonly known as the Yellow Kola or Bitter Kola tree. This plant is native to West and Central Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, and Congo.
Appearance of Cola altissima Engl.
The Yellow Kola tree is a medium-sized shade tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It has a straight and cylindrical trunk with a fluted base, which can reach up to 1.5 meters in diameter. Its crown is generally rounded or irregularly shaped. The leaves of the plant are glossy, dark green, and oblong, tapering at both ends with an acute tip. The tree also produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are followed by brownish fruits, which can range from 4 to 6 centimeters in diameter.
Uses of Cola altissima Engl.
The seeds of the Yellow Kola tree are the most significant part of the plant, which are referred to as "Bitter Kola". The seeds are used in traditional medicine for its various health benefits, including reducing inflammation, helping digestion, and improving respiratory functions. The seeds contain caffeine and theobromine, which have stimulant and energy-boosting effects. They are also used as an aphrodisiac and to enhance cognitive functions. The bark of the tree is used for its astringent properties to treat diarrhea and dysentery. In addition, the wood of the tree is used by locals for making furniture and charcoal, while the leaves are used as animal feed.
Plant Growth Conditions for Cola altissima Engl.
Cola altissima Engl. is a tropical tree that is native to the African rainforests. It is commonly referred to as the Cola tree or the Guru Nut tree. The following are the growth conditions that are typical for this plant.
Light Requirements
Cola altissima Engl. requires bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It prefers to be in partial shade or filtered light. The plant can tolerate direct sunlight, but it must be acclimated slowly. If the plant is exposed to too much sun, the leaves will turn yellow and brown, indicating sunburn. Conversely, if the plant is not receiving enough light, it will develop thin, spindly stems and small leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Cola altissima Engl. thrives in a warm, humid environment. It prefers temperatures between 20 and 30°C (68-86°F). The plant does not tolerate cold temperatures, and it cannot survive below 10°C (50°F). If the temperature drops below the preferred range, the plant will stop growing, and the leaves will turn yellow and drop off.
Soil Requirements
Cola altissima Engl. requires rich, well-draining soil for optimal growth. The soil should be moist but not soggy, and it should be slightly acidic with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, as it can lead to root rot. A mixture of peat moss, sand, and perlite is ideal for this plant. It is also recommended to fertilize the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
By providing Cola altissima Engl. with the appropriate light, temperature, and soil conditions it requires, you can ensure that the plant will grow and thrive successfully. With proper care, this tropical tree can be an attractive and fascinating addition to any indoor or outdoor garden.
Cultivation Methods for Cola altissima Engl.
Cola altissima Engl. is a tropical evergreen tree that requires warm and humid conditions to thrive. It is best suited for cultivation in the lowland tropical rainforest zones.
The plant grows best in soils that are deep, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic soil pH of 5.5-6.5 is ideal.
You can propagate Cola altissima Engl. through seeds or vegetative means. Seeds should be planted in a nursery bed, covered with about 2 cm of soil and watered regularly until germination occurs. Vegetative propagation can be done through stem cuttings or air layering.
Watering Needs of Cola altissima Engl.
Cola altissima Engl. requires consistent moisture, especially during its initial years of growth. The plant should be watered regularly, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the dry season, you may need to water the tree more frequently to prevent water stress.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil has good drainage, and water only when necessary.
Fertilization of Cola altissima Engl.
Cola altissima Engl. requires regular fertilization to maintain its optimal growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. Apply the fertilizer in three equal portions during the growing season.
Organic fertilizers like animal manure and compost are also beneficial. You can also add micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and zinc to the soil to enhance growth.
Pruning Cola altissima Engl.
Pruning of Cola altissima Engl. should be done to remove dead or damaged branches, ensure good airflow, and maintain the desired shape and size of the tree.
You can prune the tree during the dry season to promote good healing of wounds. Ensure that you use clean and sharp tools to make clean cuts, and avoid excessive pruning as it can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields.
Propagation of Cola altissima Engl.
Cola altissima Engl., commonly known as "Goron Tula," is a perennial plant species belonging to the family Malvaceae. It is native to Nigeria and other West African countries and is valued for its medicinal and nutritional purposes. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Cola altissima. Seeds can be collected from ripe fruits during the fruiting season. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until planting. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. It is essential to keep the soil moist until germination, which can occur within 7-10 days.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Cola altissima involves the use of stem cuttings, rooted suckers, or air layering. Stem cuttings should be taken from the plant during the growing season and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. Rooted suckers and air layering are other effective methods of vegetative propagation.
Rooted suckers are shoots that develop from the base of the plant and can be separated and planted in a separate pot. Air layering involves making a small incision on a healthy stem and applying rooting hormone to the wound. The stem is then wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic to retain moisture. Roots will develop within 4-6 weeks, and the stem can be severed from the parent plant.
Disease Management for Cola altissima Engl.
The Cola altissima Engl. plant is a relatively resilient plant with few reported diseases. However, two significant diseases that could affect the plant are:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that presents as small, black or brown lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit. It progresses rapidly and eventually leads to the death of plant parts. Proper sanitation, such as pruning infected parts, is essential for controlling anthracnose. Fungicides such as copper-based compounds and neem oil are also effective for controlling the disease.
- Leaf Spot: This bacterial disease presents as brown lesions on leaves, which enlarge as the disease progresses. The infected leaves eventually drop, leading to defoliation. The disease can be controlled by removing infected plant parts and applying copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management for Cola altissima Engl.
The Cola altissima Engl. plant is susceptible to various pests, which include:
- Thrips: These small, brown insects feed on the plant's leaves, causing stunted growth. Thrips can be controlled by pruning off infested parts and applying insecticides such as neem oil or carbaryl.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites feed on the leaves' undersides, causing yellowing and eventually defoliation. They thrive in hot and dry conditions and can be controlled by increasing humidity around the plant and applying insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause significant damage by feeding on the leaves, buds, and fruits of the plant. They can be controlled by handpicking them from the plant or applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
Regular inspection of the plant for signs of pests and diseases is essential for early detection and control. Additionally, proper cultural practices such as proper watering and fertilization, pruning, and disposing of infected plant parts are crucial for maintaining healthy Cola altissima Engl. plants.
