Description of Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz Plant
Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz is a plant that belongs to the family of Erythroxylaceae. The plant is also known as the South African coca and is native to southern and eastern Africa. It is a small tree that grows up to 4 meters tall with a single stem and few branches.
General Appearance
The leaves of the Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz plant are small and dark green, with a glossy surface and a distinctive central vein. The flowers are small and white or yellow, and the fruit is a capsule containing several black seeds.
The plant has a long taproot system that allows it to thrive in well-drained and sandy soils. It is also known to be drought-tolerant and can survive under harsh conditions.
Common Names
Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz is commonly known by several names, including South African coca, umThombothi, and umthombo wamanzi. In some regions, it is also known as the Natal coca or the Lipogo tree.
Uses
The Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz plant has several traditional uses. The bark, leaves, and roots have been used for medicinal purposes to treat various ailments. The bark extract is believed to help with stomach pains, diarrhea, and dysentery, while the roots are used to relieve toothache or as a general painkiller.
The plant is also known for its use as a psychoactive drug, with some communities chewing the leaves or brewing them into a tea for their stimulating effects. However, it contains the stimulant alkaloid cocaine, and its use can lead to addiction and other health problems.
The wood of the Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz plant is hard and durable, making it suitable for tool handles, furniture, and other wooden products.
Light Requirements
Erythroxylum emarginatum var. caffrum prefers to grow in areas with partial sunlight or dappled shade. Therefore, it is essential to put the plant in an area where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. Direct sunlight can cause scorching of the leaves and may stunt the growth of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperatures between 18 - 28 °C (64-84 °F). Anything below 15 °C (59 °F) can significantly affect the growth rate of the plant. Low temperatures can cause the plant to drop its leaves, as well as stunt its growth. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 23 - 28 °C (73-84 °F).
Soil Requirements
Erythroxylum emarginatum var. caffrum grows best in well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic (between 5.5 - 6.5). The plant will not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils. Therefore, the soil should be well-drained, and air should be able to circulate around the roots. An excellent soil mixture for the plant includes equal parts of sand, peat moss, and garden soil.
Cultivation Method for Erythroxylum Emarginatum Thonn. Var. Caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz
Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz, commonly known as the African coca tree, is a relatively easy plant to grow. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. If propagating from seeds, make sure to soak the seeds in water for at least 24 hours before planting. Plant the seeds in a well-drained soil mix with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5.
Watering Needs for Erythroxylum Emarginatum Thonn. Var. Caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz
The African coca tree prefers a moist soil environment but cannot tolerate waterlogging. Water the plant thoroughly when the soil appears dry up to a depth of one inch. During hot and dry seasons, increase the frequency of watering, but ensure that the plant does not sit in stagnant water for too long.
Fertilization for Erythroxylum Emarginatum Thonn. Var. Caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz
Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz thrives in a soil rich in organic matter with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. Incorporating a well-balanced granular fertilizer into the soil at planting time can provide sufficient nutrients for a while. After that, incorporate a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every three months during the growing season to support healthy growth and development.
Pruning for Erythroxylum Emarginatum Thonn. Var. Caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz
Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz requires little pruning, but you may need to remove the lower branches of the plant as it grows to promote healthy growth and shape it. When pruning, use sharp, sterile pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Prune the plant during the dormant period to minimize stress and maximize recovery time.
Propagation of Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz
Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz is propagated using different methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and recommended method for Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz. The seeds should be extracted from fresh fruits and sown in suitable germination mixtures. The germination process takes about two to three weeks, and the seedlings are transplanted to individual containers after four to six weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz. Softwood cuttings can be taken from the tips of the branches and rooted in a soil-less medium or sand. The cuttings should be kept moist and within a high-humidity environment until they develop roots.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is a more advanced propagation method that involves creating plant roots on a stem while still attached to the mother plant. This technique involves girdling a small section of the stem, applying rooting hormone to the exposed wound, and wrapping the area with moist sphagnum moss. When roots develop, the stem can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted into a suitable container.
Division propagation
Division propagation involves separating a mother plant's roots and transplanting them into individual containers. This method is not commonly used for Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz because the root system is typically multi-branched and not easy to divide.
Disease and Pest Management for Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz
Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. var. caffrum (Sond.) O.E.Schulz, commonly known as the African coca tree, is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. It is important to take preventive measures to protect the plant from these threats and ensure healthy growth and production.
Common Diseases
Erythroxylum emarginatum can be affected by a variety of diseases including:
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease caused by excess moisture in the soil and poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage and reduce watering during rainy seasons.
- Canker: This disease is caused by fungal or bacterial infections and can cause small to large lesions on the plant. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of the leaves, as well as stunted growth. To prevent canker, maintain good plant hygiene by removing and destroying infected plant parts.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves, which can inhibit photosynthesis and reduce growth. To prevent powdery mildew, maintain good air circulation and reduce humidity around the plant.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves and can cause leaf drop. To prevent anthracnose, maintain good plant hygiene and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
Erythroxylum emarginatum can also be affected by a variety of pests including:
- Mealybugs: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To control mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. To control spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and maintain good plant hygiene.
- Caterpillars: These larvae feed on the leaves of the plant, causing holes and damage. To control caterpillars, use a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis or handpick and destroy the caterpillars.
- Termites: These pests can cause damage to the roots and stem of the plant, causing wilting and stunted growth. To control termites, use a chemical insecticide or nematode control.
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To control aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and maintain good plant hygiene.
Overall, maintaining good plant hygiene and vigilance are key to prevent and control pests and diseases. Regular inspection of the plant can help identify potential problems early on, allowing for timely and effective treatment.
