Psychotria Moliwensis Bridson & Cheek

Overview

Psychotria moliwensis Bridson & Cheek is a plant species of the family Rubiaceae. It is endemic to Cameroon and was first described in 2002 by Bridson and Cheek. The plant is known for its traditional medicinal uses among the Baka and Bakola peoples in Cameroon.

Common Names

The plant is commonly known as "Ebolem"; a name derived from the Ebo Forest Reserve where it grows. It is also locally called "Elegnala" by the Baka people and "Rain Forest Coffee" by some botanists.

Uses

Psychotria moliwensis is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The leaves, stem, and roots of the plant are used in decoctions to alleviate headaches, fever, stomach problems, and snakebites. The plant has also been used as a stimulant and to treat mental disorders.

Appearance

Psychotria moliwensis is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 10 meters tall. The leaves are glossy, elliptical, and pointed at both ends. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant. The fruit is a red berry that contains one or two seeds.

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Light Requirement

Psychotria moliwensis Bridson & Cheek thrives in bright, filtered light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it is best to place it in a location where it can receive partial shade or indirect sunlight for most of the day.

Temperature Preference

The ideal temperature range for the Psychotria moliwensis Bridson & Cheek is between 60-80°F (16-27°C). It cannot survive in temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 85°F (29°C). The plant should be kept away from harsh drafts, air conditioning, and heating vents, as they can cause fluctuations in temperature that can harm the plant.

Soil Needs

The Psychotria moliwensis Bridson & Cheek requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can kill the plant. The ideal soil type is a mixture of peat moss, sand, and perlite in equal quantities. It is essential to ensure that the soil pH is slightly acidic, between 5.5-6.5. The plant needs regular watering, but the soil must be allowed to dry slightly between watering sessions.

Cultivation

The best way to cultivate Psychotria moliwensis is through vegetative propagation methods. This consists of taking stem cuttings from a mature plant and rooting them in an appropriate growing medium. Seeds are available but not commonly used as they have a low germination rate.

P. moliwensis requires warm and humid conditions for optimal growth. It thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 4.0 to 6.5. The plant should be placed in an area that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight to avoid direct exposure to intense sunlight and scorching.

Watering Needs

The plant prefers moist soil but does not appreciate standing water. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to water the plant when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Watering should be reduced during the plant's dormant period.

Fertilization

P. moliwensis will benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Fertilizer should be diluted to 50% strength and applied every 2 weeks. Avoid fertilizing during the plant's dormant period.

Pruning

Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant period since it will reduce the plant's energy expenditure. Dead, damaged, or diseased leaves should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. If the plant has become too large for its growing area, pruning can be done to control its growth and shape.

Propagation of Psychotria moliwensis Bridson & Cheek

Psychotria moliwensis Bridson & Cheek, also known as Moliwensis coffee, is a rare and endangered plant species native to Cameroon and Nigeria. Propagation of this species is possible through seed and vegetative means.

Seed propagation

Seeds of P. moliwensis can be collected from mature fruits in the wild or from cultivated plants. The seeds should be soaked in lukewarm water for 24 hours to aid germination. They can be sowed in seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining soil mixture that contains equal parts of peat and vermiculite. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. Germination can take two to four weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they have developed a few sets of true leaves.

Vegetative propagation

P. moliwensis can be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings taken from healthy and mature plants. Cuttings with two to three nodes are ideal and should be taken in the early morning when the plant cells are fully hydrated. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. They should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until roots have developed. Once roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.

Disease Management for Psychotria moliwensis Bridson & Cheek

Psychotria moliwensis Bridson & Cheek is a hardy plant that is resistant to most fungal and bacterial diseases. However, it is susceptible to certain viral diseases that can be detrimental to its health. Here are some common viral diseases that might affect the plant:

• Potyvirus
• Tospovirus
• Cucumovirus
• Geminivirus

Prevention is the best strategy for managing viral diseases in Psychotria moliwensis Bridson & Cheek. You can protect the plant by practicing good sanitation, controlling vectors, and avoiding the planting of infected material. Once a viral disease has infected the plant, there is no cure. Therefore, it is best to remove the infected plant and prevent the disease from spreading to other plants in the garden.

Pest Management for Psychotria moliwensis Bridson & Cheek

Psychotria moliwensis Bridson & Cheek is a plant that is relatively resistant to pests. However, there are a few insects that might infest the plant, including:

• Mealybugs
• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Caterpillars

If you notice any of these pests on your plant, you should act quickly to manage them. You can use a strong stream of water to knock the insects off the plant or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. It is important to note that some of these pests may have developed resistance to certain insecticides, so it is best to rotate the type of pesticide used to avoid resistance.

Regularly inspecting the plant for pests and diseases is crucial in managing them effectively. By keeping the plant healthy and well-maintained, you can prevent many of the common diseases and pests that might affect Psychotria moliwensis Bridson & Cheek.