Origin
Ouratea calophylloides Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as the African wild coffee, is a plant species found in tropical and subtropical Africa, from Sierra Leone to Cameroon. It is also found in other countries such as Gabon, Congo, and Angola. The plant prefers moist and well-drained soils in wooded areas and forest edges.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as African wild coffee or simply wild coffee. In Cameroon, it is called "Njombe" whereas in Gabon it is known as "Noni". The plant's scientific name, "Ouratea calophylloides," is derived from the genus name "Ouratea," which was named in honor of a French botanist, Dalmont d'Urville while "calophylloides" refers to its similarity with the plant species Calophyllum.
Uses
The African wild coffee has been used traditionally for centuries as a medicinal plant. It contains various phytochemicals that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The plant's leaves and bark are used to manage various health conditions, including diarrhea, fever, stomach ulcers, and skin infections. The plant's stem bark and roots have also been used to make decoctions that help in treating malaria.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the African wild coffee plant is also used for decorative purposes. It has attractive green leaves and a compact growth habit that makes it an ideal ornamental plant for gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance
The African wild coffee plant is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 8 meters tall. It has a smooth, gray bark that is sometimes marked with lenticels. The plant's leaves are simple, dark green, and shiny with an elliptical or oval shape that tapers to a point. It produces small, white or pale yellow flowers in clusters that bloom from July to August. The fruit which the plant produces is a fleshy drupe that is pink to red when mature; it contains a single seed. The seeds are small, circular, and black and are used to propagate the plant.
Light Requirements
The plant Ouratea calophylloides Hutch. & Dalziel prefers to grow in bright, indirect light. It is sensitive to direct sunlight and should be protected from prolonged exposure to it. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a window where it can receive ample sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Ouratea calophylloides Hutch. & Dalziel is between 21 to 27°C (70 to 80°F). It can tolerate slightly higher temperatures during the day, but the temperature should not fall below 16°C (60°F) at night.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range between 6 and 7.5. It does not tolerate waterlogged soils and is prone to root rot if the soil is constantly wet. The addition of organic matter to the soil can improve its water retention capacity and provide necessary nutrients for the plant's growth.
Fertilizer Requirements
Ouratea calophylloides Hutch. & Dalziel benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be applied every 2-3 months. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can damage the plant's roots and leaves.
Watering Requirements
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It should be allowed to dry slightly between watering to prevent root rot. In the dormant season, watering should be reduced, and the plant should be kept in a cool and dry place.
Cultivation
Ouratea calophylloides Hutch. & Dalziel is a tropical plant native to West Africa. It can be cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. This plant thrives in warm and humid environments but cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures. Plant it in well-drained, organic-rich soil that has a slightly acidic pH. Consider planting it in a spot with dappled shade to protect it from harsh sunlight.
The ideal time to plant Ouratea calophylloides Hutch. & Dalziel is during the rainy season. Choose a healthy and vigorous sapling and plant it in a hole twice the size of the root ball. Backfill the hole with soil and tamp it gently. Water the plant thoroughly to settle the soil. Provide a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
Watering Needs
Ouratea calophylloides Hutch. & Dalziel requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water it deeply once or twice a week during the dry season. Reduce watering during the rainy season, but be mindful of heavy downpours that can lead to waterlogging and root rot. Use a moisture meter or stick your finger into the soil to check for moisture levels. Water the plant if the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilization
Ouratea calophylloides Hutch. & Dalziel benefits from regular fertilization to support healthy growth and flowering. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilization, which can cause leaf burn and damage the plant.
Pruning
Ouratea calophylloides Hutch. & Dalziel does not require much pruning, but you can prune it to shape it and remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Prune the plant in the dry season after it has finished flowering. Use sharp and clean pruning shears to make clean cuts that promote quick healing. Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns and scratches.
Propagation of Ouratea calophylloides
Ouratea calophylloides can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Ouratea calophylloides can be obtained from mature fruits. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination. Germination usually takes several weeks to months, depending on the environmental conditions, with optimal growth temperatures ranging from 21-23°C. After germination, seedlings are transplanted to individual pots and grown under suitable conditions.
Cuttings Propagation
Ouratea calophylloides can also be propagated through stem cuttings obtained from healthy, mature plants. The cuttings are taken from lateral branches that are semi-hardwood, about 10-15 cm long, and preferably without flowers or fruits. The cuttings are treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture of sand and peat. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area until roots develop, which generally takes about 3-4 weeks. After root development, cuttings are transplanted to individual pots and grown under suitable conditions.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation technique that can be used for Ouratea calophylloides. This method is mostly used for propagating mature plants. Air layering involves selecting a healthy stem and making a slanting cut on the plant bark. A piece of moist sphagnum moss is then placed around the cut area and secured in place with plastic wrap. The moss should be kept moist until roots develop, which can take several weeks. Once roots have developed, the new plant can be cut off from the mother plant and transplanted to another pot.
Disease Management
Ouratea calophylloides is susceptible to several diseases, some of which can cause significant damage if left untreated. Here are some of the most common diseases that may affect this plant and how to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and blight on the entire plant. It thrives in moist environments, making it more common during the rainy season. To manage this disease, remove any infected plant parts and destroy them. Ensure proper spacing between plants to increase airflow, reducing plant moisture. Fungicides containing copper or Mancozeb can also be used to control severe infections.
Root Rot
Root Rot is caused by various fungi and is characterized by the rotting of the plant's roots, leading to yellowing, wilting, and eventual death of the entire plant. To manage this disease, start by controlling plant moisture by ensuring good drainage, minimizing overwatering, and avoiding crowding of plants. Remove any infected plant parts and sterilize the soil. There are several fungicides available that can be used to manage root rot effectively.
Pest Management
Ouratea calophylloides is susceptible to various pests, including insects and mites that can cause serious harm to the plant. Here are some of the most common pests that may affect this plant and how to manage them:
Mites
Mites are common pests that can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on its sap, causing yellowing and dropping of leaves and weakened growth. To manage this pest, spray the plant with a forceful stream of water to knock off the mites. Apply insecticides that contain neem oil or horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, ensuring the product's label includes mites.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small pink or white insects that congregate in clusters on the plant, especially on the leaves' undersides. They suck sap, causing a yellowing and weakened growth. To manage this pest, apply insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil, targeting the insects' entire body, including the crevices where they hide.
Overall, regular inspection of the Ouratea calophylloides plant and prompt management of any observed disease or pest is recommended. Using integrated pest management (IPM) practices, which include physical, cultural, biological, and chemical control measures, can help prevent and manage disease and pest infestations effectively without compromising the plant's health and safety.
