Origin
Cola diversifolia De Wild. & T.Durand, commonly known as "bitter cola" or "monkey cola", is a plant species found in the tropical regions of Africa, particularly in Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast.
Common names
The plant is known by various common names depending on the African country. In Cameroon, it's called "dengué" or "essengoua", while in Nigeria, it is known as "ewe-aje" or "gworo". In Ivory Coast, it goes by the name "kola baoulé".
Uses
Bitter cola is highly valued in African traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits. It's known to contain chemicals like caffeine, theobromine, and kolanin, which have stimulating effects to boost energy levels, improve alertness, and reduce fatigue. The plant's extract is also used to treat coughs, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Additionally, bitter cola is sometimes used as an aphrodisiac to enhance libido and sexual performance.
General Appearance
The bitter cola plant is a small tree that grows up to 20 meters tall, with a characteristic dark red bark. Its leaves are green and glossy, with a leathery texture and an elliptical shape, reaching up to 18 cm long and 10 cm wide. The plant produces creamy-white flowers that are small and inconspicuous and have a sweet scent. The fruit is a capsule that contains up to a dozen cotyledons, which are the edible seeds that are used for their medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Cola diversifolia De Wild. & T.Durand grows well under partially shaded conditions. While they can tolerate full sun exposure, it may lead to burnt leaves. It would be best to choose the location with bright, filtered light that mimics its natural habitat.
Temperature Requirements
Cola diversifolia De Wild. & T.Durand thrives in moderate temperatures that range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82.4°F). They cannot tolerate frost and extreme heat, so it's essential to keep them warm during the winter season while avoiding exposure to direct sunlight during summer.
Soil Requirements
When it comes to soil, Cola diversifolia De Wild. & T.Durand prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant species. One can use soil mixes comprising garden soil, perlite, and compost to provide the right drainage and nutrients the plant needs to grow.
Cultivation Methods
Cola diversifolia De Wild. & T.Durand, commonly known as Wild Cola, is a small to medium-sized tree that produces nuts that can be used to make cola beverages and medicines. It is native to tropical areas of West Africa, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and Angola.
To cultivate Cola diversifolia, it is important to select a well-draining and slightly acidic soil. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate some dry spells. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, and it is recommended to plant in the rainy season, from April to June.
Watering Needs
To ensure the best growth of Cola diversifolia, the soil must be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The plant's watering needs will vary based on the season and climate. During the dry season, it should be watered regularly, ideally once or twice a week. During the rainy season, less watering is required, and it is important to maintain well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Cola diversifolia benefits from regular fertilization to promote growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is best for the plant. Fertilization should be done every three to four months, either by spreading the fertilizer on the soil or by using a liquid fertilizer. It is recommended to reduce fertilization during the dry season to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the shape and size of Cola diversifolia trees. It also helps to promote the growth of new shoots and increase the plant's fruit production. It is recommended to prune after the fruiting season, during the dry season. Cut off any dead or diseased branches, and remove any branches that are growing towards the center of the tree. It is important to use sharp and clean cutting tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Cola diversifolia De Wild. & T.Durand
Cola diversifolia De Wild. & T.Durand is propagated through various methods. These include:
1. Seed Propagation
The primary method is seed propagation. The seeds are collected from matured fruits and scarified to improve germination rates. The scarified seeds are then sowed in seedling trays filled with loamy soil mixed with river sand. The trays are then covered with mulch or polythene papers to conserve moisture and maintain a high relative humidity in the seedling trays. Seeds take between 4-6 weeks to germinate, and seedlings are transplanted after six months to planting sites in the field.
2. Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is also used to propagate Cola diversifolia. Cuttings obtained from matured stems are treated with rooting hormones and planted in rooting media. This can either be in a mist bed or under shade until roots and shoots develop. Cuttings may take up to three months to develop new roots and shoots before being transplanted into the field. Vegetative propagation is effective in producing uniform plantlets under nursery conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Cola diversifolia De Wild. & T.Durand
Cola diversifolia De Wild. & T.Durand, commonly known as the monkey kola, is a tropical plant that grows in the Western African region. The plant produces bitter, caffeine-containing nuts that are frequently used in traditional medicine and consumed as a stimulating beverage.
Common Diseases of Cola diversifolia
The plant is susceptible to different diseases, including fungal and bacterial infections, that can affect its growth, development, and yield. The most common diseases include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that manifests as circular, brown spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits that eventually become black. It can cause defoliation and stunted growth.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease characterized by small, dark spots on the leaves that coalesce and form irregular shapes. Severe infection can cause leaf drop and yield loss.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot, turn brown, and break easily. It can cause wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant.
Disease Management
To manage plant diseases effectively, the following practices should be adopted:
- Crop rotation: Frequent rotation of crops can help to break the disease cycle and reduce infection.
- Sanitation: Cleaning of tools, equipment, and the surrounding area can help to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Fungicide application: Fungicides can be applied as a preventive or curative measure to control fungal infections. However, care must be taken to avoid toxicity.
- Proper drainage: Ensuring proper drainage and avoiding waterlogging can help to reduce the incidence of root rot.
Common Pests of Cola diversifolia
The plant is also vulnerable to pest attacks from insects such as:
- Termites: These are wood-destroying insects that attack the stem, roots, and leaves of the plant, leading to wilting, stunted growth, and death.
- Aphids: These are tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and deformation of leaves.
- Thrips: These are small, winged insects that feed on the leaves by piercing and sucking sap, leading to a silver or bronze appearance of the leaves, curling, and distortion.
Pest Management
To manage pest infestations, the following practices can be adopted:
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM involves the use of multiple tactics such as cultural, biological, and chemical control to manage pest populations effectively.
- Biological control: This involves the introduction of natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to control pest populations.
- Cultural practices: Practices such as pruning, weeding, and crop rotation can help to reduce pest populations.
- Chemical control: This involves the use of insecticides or pesticides to control pest populations. However, care must be taken to avoid toxicity and environmental contamination.
By adopting proper disease and pest management practices, growers can ensure that Cola diversifolia De Wild. & T.Durand produces high-quality and healthy nuts.
