Plant Description:
Pausinystalia macroceras (K.Schum.) Pierre ex Beille var. bequaertii (De Wild.) N.Hallé, commonly known as Bequaert's coffee, is a small tree in the family Rubiaceae. It grows up to 8 meters tall and has a straight trunk of about 30 cm in diameter. The leaves are elliptical, leathery, and dark green, with a length of about 10-15 cm. The flowers are white and grow in small clusters. The fruit is a red-brown drupe about 2 cm long, containing a single seed.
Origin:
Bequaert's coffee is native to the rainforests of Central Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It grows best in moist, shaded areas with well-drained soils.
Common Names:
In addition to Bequaert's coffee, the plant is also known by other common names such as Congo coffee, sassy bark, obengo, otundu, and mupepe.
Uses:
Bequaert's coffee has been traditionally used by indigenous people in Central Africa for its medicinal properties. The bark and leaves are boiled to make a decoction, which is used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and malaria. The plant contains alkaloids and other compounds that have been shown to have antimalarial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
The seeds of Bequaert's coffee are also used to produce a type of coffee known as oko-oko. The coffee has a unique flavor and is considered a delicacy in some parts of Central Africa.
Growth Conditions for Pausinystalia macroceras var. bequaertii
Light: Pausinystalia macroceras var. bequaertii requires moderate to high levels of light to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but it cannot survive in complete shade. It is best grown in partial shade to full sun with approximately 50% to 70% of full sunlight. Too much sunlight can cause leaf scorching, and insufficient sunlight can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature: This plant requires warm to hot temperatures to grow properly. The ideal temperature range for Pausinystalia macroceras var. bequaertii is between 20°C to 35°C, with nighttime temperatures staying above 15°C. It can tolerate occasional dips in temperature but is not frost hardy and should not be exposed to temperatures below 10°C for prolonged periods.
Soil: Pausinystalia macroceras var. bequaertii prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant is adapted to grow in soils that are rich in organic matter, which helps retain moisture. It responds well to fertile soils that are deep and loamy, with good water-holding capacity. If grown in sandy soils, it is crucial to ensure adequate irrigation, as these soils tend to drain water quickly.
Cultivation Methods
Pausinystalia macroceras (K.Schum.) Pierre ex Beille var. bequaertii (De Wild.) N.Hallé, commonly known as the African Cherry, is a small tree that is native to tropical Africa. It requires a warm and humid environment to thrive, and can be cultivated in containers indoors or planted outdoors in warm climates.
If you are planting it outdoors, choose a well-draining soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. You can also add some organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve the soil quality. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun, so place it in a location with dappled sunlight. If you are growing it indoors, place the container in a bright, warm location that receives partial sunlight.
Watering Needs
The African Cherry requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can water it deeply once a week or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry. The frequency of watering will also depend on the size of the plant and the pot it is growing in. Make sure the soil is not saturated with water as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
You can fertilize the African Cherry tree with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer once every month or every two months depending on the instructions on the box. If you notice that the leaves are yellowing, it may be a sign that the plant is not receiving enough nutrients, so increase the frequency of fertilization.
It's important to note that the African Cherry is sensitive to excess fertilizer, so avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause the leaves to burn.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the African Cherry tree, but you can prune it to shape it or remove any dead or damaged branches. Do the pruning during the dormant season, which is in late winter or early spring, before the plant starts to grow new leaves.
When pruning, use clean and sharp pruning shears to make a clean cut. Cut the branches above a bud or a node to encourage new growth. Remove any crossing branches or branches that grow too close together to improve the tree's structure.
Propagation of Pausinystalia macroceras var. bequaertii
Pausinystalia macroceras var. bequaertii is commonly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation via Seeds
Seeds of Pausinystalia macroceras var. bequaertii are collected from the mother plant as soon as they are mature. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until germination occurs. Germination may take up to six weeks, so patience is necessary. When the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted to larger pots or directly to a well-prepared garden bed.
Propagation via Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another method of propagating Pausinystalia macroceras var. bequaertii. Cuttings should be taken from the semi-hardwood portion of the stem and should be approximately 15-20cm long. Cuttings should be taken during the growing season and treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a humid environment until roots develop.
Disease Management
Pausinystalia macroceras var. bequaertii is susceptible to various diseases that can cause severe damage to the plant. Some common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots, defoliation, and twig dieback. To manage this disease, remove infected plants and dispose of them properly. Apply fungicides to prevent further infection and maintain good sanitation practices.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by various soil-borne fungi that attack the roots of the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To prevent this disease, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. Remove infected plants and sterilize the soil before replanting.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on leaves and can stunt plant growth. To manage this disease, maintain good air circulation around the plant, remove infected leaves, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Pausinystalia macroceras var. bequaertii is also susceptible to various pests that can damage the plant. Some common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant, causing leaf yellowing and distortion. To manage aphids, remove infested leaves, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
- Coffee Berry Borer: This small beetle burrows into the coffee berries, causing quality and yield losses. To manage this pest, use pheromone traps, ensure proper harvest practices, and apply biological control agents like Beauveria bassiana.
- Thrips: These small insects feed on the leaves of the plant, causing discoloration and distortion. To manage thrips, remove infested leaves, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and encourage natural predators like lacewings.
