Overview
Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit is a tropical evergreen shrub native to West Africa.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Buzi's forest bitter bush and Buzi tree.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 10 meters tall and has a slender trunk with smooth bark. The leaves are simple, obovate, and glossy, measuring about 10-20 cm in length. The flowers are small, white, and appear in clusters that grow from the leaf axils. The fruits are dark red to black berries with a diameter of about 6-8 mm.
Uses
Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica has several traditional medicinal uses. The leaves, roots, and bark are used to treat fever, diarrhea, and stomach ailments, as well as for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruits are edible and are consumed by both humans and wildlife.
Growth Conditions for Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit
Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit is a small shrub that grows in the understory of the forest canopy. It is native to tropical Africa and is typically found in Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo. The plant is commonly known as Buzi's coffee or dwarf coffee and is part of the Rubiaceae family.
Light Requirements
Buzi's coffee requires filtered sunlight to thrive properly. The plant grows under the canopy of taller trees, which means that direct sunlight exposure must be avoided. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow, minimizing the plant's growth.
Temperature Requirements
Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit requires warm temperatures to grow. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20 and 28°C. Temperatures below 15°C can slow down the growth of Buzi's coffee and temperatures above 30°C can cause considerable damage to the plants.
Soil Requirements
Buzi's coffee requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant does well in soils that have a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5. The recommended soil type for growing Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit is loamy soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged as waterlogging can result in the plant's death.
In conclusion, to grow Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit successfully, it is necessary to provide the plant with the appropriate growing conditions. These include filtered sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-draining loamy soil that is rich in organic matter.
Cultivation
Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit, also known as the Buzi pea coffee, is a tropical plant that requires warm weather and partial shade to grow healthily. It can be grown in a pot or directly in the garden bed.
Watering needs
This plant requires frequent watering to keep the soil moist at all times. However, care must be taken not to overwater it as it may lead to root rot. Watering once a day is sufficient, but in hot weather, it may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit requires regular fertilization for optimal growth. A balanced fertilizer would be suitable for this plant. Fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus are recommended for better flowering.
Pruning
Pruning of this plant is necessary to keep it looking neat and promote branching. It is best to prune in the early spring or late winter depending on the location and the weather. The pruning should be done sparingly so as not to affect the flowering. Remove any diseased, broken, or yellowing leaves, and cut off any stems that have grown too tall or are crowding the plant.
Propagation of Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit
Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit, commonly known as "buzica," is a plant species native to West Africa. It is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through different methods, including:
Seeds
Seeds are one of the commonly used methods to propagate Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica. The seeds should be collected from the plant during the fruiting season. They should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place. The seeds can then be sowed in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. Watering should be done regularly to ensure that the soil is always moist.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagating Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica. Cuttings should be taken from mature and healthy plants. The stem cuttings should be at least 10 cm long and should have a few leaves. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil, and the soil should be kept moist. It is recommended to keep the cuttings in a warm and humid environment, which can be achieved through covering them with a plastic bag or using a misting system.
Division
Division is another propagation method that can be used for Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, each with its roots. This can be done by carefully digging up the plant and dividing it into smaller sections using a sharp, sterile tool. Each division should be planted in well-draining soil, and the soil should be kept moist.
In conclusion, the propagation of Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica can be achieved through different methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the availability of resources and personal preference.
Disease and Pest Management of Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit
Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit is a plant species that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the plant's leaves. The symptoms of this disease are usually seen during the wet season. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, and make sure to keep the plant's leaves dry as much as possible.
Root Rot
Root rot is a disease caused by fungal pathogens that usually thrive in overly wet soil. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To prevent or manage root rot, allow the soil to dry out between waterings, avoid overwatering, and make sure the plant's pot has drainage holes.
Pests
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, resulting in stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage aphids, spray the affected plant with a mixture of water and mild soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are another tiny insect that can infest the plant's leaves, leaving them yellowed and covered with webbing. To manage spider mites, spray the affected plant with water under high pressure to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage spider mites.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny, white insects that suck the sap of the plant's leaves. They are usually found on the undersides of the leaves and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage whiteflies, use sticky traps or spray the affected plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can help ensure the continued health and vitality of your Psychotria pumila Hiern var. buzica (S.Moore) E.M.A.Petit plant.
