Origin
Erythroxylum dekindtii (Engl.) O.E.Schulz is a plant species that belongs to the Erythroxylaceae family. It is native to Africa, specifically the countries of Cameroon and Gabon.
Common Names
E. dekindtii is commonly known as Kindt’s coca or African coca. It is also referred to as "Kaka du Cameroun" in French, which means the cocoa of Cameroon.
Uses
E. dekindtii is known for its stimulant properties, similar to those of coca plants. The leaves of the plant contain traces of cocaine, which are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as headache, flu, and stomachache. However, due to the presence of cocaine, the plant is also used illicitly as a recreational drug.
General Appearance
E. dekindtii is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. Its leaves are oval-shaped, about 5-15 cm long, and 2.5-7 cm wide. The plant has small, white, fragrant flowers that bloom from July to September. Its fruit is a red berry that is approximately 6 mm in diameter.
Light Requirements
Erythroxylum dekindtii (Engl.) O.E.Schulz requires bright indirect light to grow optimally. The plant can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially during the morning hours. However, the exposure to intense sunlight for prolonged hours may scorch the leaves. Low light conditions may hinder the plant's growth and lead to spindly stems or yellow leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 20°C-30°C during the day and 15°C-20°C at night. Temperatures below 10°C may negatively affect the growth of Erythroxylum dekindtii (Engl.) O.E.Schulz. As such, it is best to keep the plant in a warm spot, away from cold drafts or air conditioning units.
Soil Requirements
Erythroxylum dekindtii (Engl.) O.E.Schulz prefers well-draining, loose, and slightly acidic soil. A good mixture is one part potting soil, one part perlite, and one part sand. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture may lead to root rot. Ideally, the plant would thrive in slightly moist but well-draining soil.
Cultivation Methods
Erythroxylum dekindtii, also known as the Colombian coca plant, is a tropical shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It requires warm temperatures between 15°C to 25°C and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. To propagate through stem cuttings, select a healthy and mature stem from the plant and cut it at an angle. Place the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil and keep it in a warm place with bright light until it develops roots.
Watering Needs
The Colombian coca plant requires consistent moisture, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry, and make sure the drainage is excellent. During the growing season, water frequently, and reduce watering during the dormant period. It is also helpful to mist the plant with water regularly to keep humidity levels high.
Fertilization
To ensure the Colombian coca plant is healthy and vigorous, fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. During the dormant period, fertilize less often or not at all. It is also recommended to supplement regular fertilization with a slow-release fertilizer to provide long-term nutrients for the plant.
Pruning
To keep the Colombian coca plant bushy and promote lateral growth, prune the plant regularly. Prune away any weak or dead branches, and trim back any excessively long stems. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant period to prevent damage to new growth. Do not prune the plant immediately before or during the growing season, as this can hinder its development.
Propagation of Erythroxylum dekindtii (Engl.) O.E.Schulz
Erythroxylum dekindtii (Engl.) O.E.Schulz is a tropical plant that occurs naturally in Africa and prefers a warm and humid environment for optimal growth. The plant can be propagated through three methods, namely:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Erythroxylum dekindtii is through seeds. You can purchase viable seeds from a plant nursery or obtain them from a mature plant. To propagate through seed, you should:
- Soak the seeds in warm water for at least 24 hours to help soften the seed coat.
- Fill a germination tray or pot with well-draining soil and make sure the soil is moist.
- Place the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
- Place the tray or pot in a warm and humid area, preferably under a shade net or in a greenhouse.
- The seedlings will start to emerge after 2-4 weeks, and you should transplant them into individual pots after the first pair of true leaves appear.
Cuttings Propagation
Erythroxylum dekindtii can also be propagated through stem cuttings. To propagate through cuttings, you should:
- Select a healthy stem and make a 10-15 cm cutting, making sure you cut just below a node.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
- Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth.
- Fill a pot with well-draining soil and water it to moisten the soil.
- Make a hole in the soil and insert the cutting, making sure that at least two nodes are covered by the soil.
- Place the pot in a warm and humid area, preferably under a shade net or in a greenhouse.
- Roots will start to emerge after 3-4 weeks, and the plant can be moved to a larger pot or planted in the ground after 6-8 weeks.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering is a propagation method that encourages roots to grow while the stem is still attached to the mature plant. To propagate Erythroxylum dekindtii through air-layering, you should:
- Select a healthy stem and make a small cut at the node where you want the roots to grow.
- Apply rooting hormone powder on the cut.
- Wrap a handful of moist sphagnum moss around the cut and secure it with cling film and a rubber band.
- After 4-6 weeks, roots will start to emerge from the moss, and you can cut the stem below the rooted area.
- Plant the air-layered stem into a pot filled with well-draining soil and water the plant adequately.
By using any of these propagation methods, you can quickly increase the number of Erythroxylum dekindtii plants that you have in your garden or farm.
Disease and Pest Management for Erythroxylum dekindtii
Erythroxylum dekindtii is a tropical plant that grows in hard-to-reach areas, which makes it prone to pests and diseases. However, with proper care, this plant can thrive. Here's what you need to know about disease and pest management for Erythroxylum dekindtii:
Common Diseases
Erythroxylum dekindtii is susceptible to various diseases, including leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot. These diseases become prevalent when the plant is subjected to poor growing conditions or improper care. Leaf spots appear as small, circular, or irregularly shaped lesions on the leaves. Powdery mildew causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves, while root rot manifests as discolored and mushy roots.
Pest Management
Erythroxylum dekindtii is susceptible to pests, including spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs. The spider mites suck the plant's sap, leading to yellowing and shriveling of the leaves. Thrips feed on the leaves, causing discoloration and distortion, while mealybugs cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
Management Strategies
The best ways to manage pests and diseases on Erythroxylum dekindtii include proper sanitation, plant care practices, and monitoring.
One way to maintain plant hygiene is by removing and disposing of dead leaves and stems. This minimizes the areas for pests and diseases to thrive. Water the plant properly, providing enough water without creating waterlogged soil that favors root rot. Make sure to fertilize the plant regularly and keep it in a well-ventilated area to avoid creating a damp environment.
It's also essential to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of pests or diseases. This early detection makes it easier to control and minimize damage. In case of an infestation, isolate the infected plant to prevent the spread of the pest or disease. Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other plant-based insecticides to control pests. Fungicides can help manage diseases.
Overall, maintaining proper plant hygiene, watering, fertilizing, and monitoring will keep Erythroxylum dekindtii healthy, minimizing the chances of pests and diseases.
