Description of Psychotria spithamea S. Moore
Psychotria spithamea, also known by its common name red berry coffee, is a flowering plant species in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of East Africa, particularly found in the Coastal Forests of Kenya and Tanzania.
General Appearance
Red berry coffee is a small, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 2 meters in height. It has ovate-shaped leaves that grow up to 15 centimeters long. The plant blooms in clusters of small, white flowers that have a sweet fragrance. After blooming, it produces vibrant red berries that attract birds and other wildlife.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as red berry coffee in English and kahawa mchana, nduru or mtsaraka in the Swahili language which are the names it is usually referred to in East Africa.
Traditional Uses
Red berry coffee has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes in East Africa, particularly to treat malaria. The root and bark of the plant have been known to possess antimalarial compounds. Additionally, it is used to alleviate symptoms of coughs, colds, and diarrhea.
The plant is also popularly used as a coffee substitute, particularly in rural areas where coffee is not grown. The berries are gathered, dried, and roasted to make a caffeine-free drink that has a bitter taste. However, the coffee substitute is not very popular on the global market as it has been overshadowed by the popularity of the actual coffee beans.
In addition to its medicinal value and use as a coffee substitute, the red berries of Psychotria spithamea are also utilized to produce a red dye used to color textiles.
In conclusion, Psychotria spithamea S.Moore, also known as red berry coffee, is a versatile plant with traditional medicinal value, consumed as a coffee substitute, and also used for textile dye. The plant's striking red berries stand out beautifully against the evergreen leaves, adding a pop of color to East African forests.
Light Requirements
The Psychotria spithamea S.Moore plant requires a good amount of light but not direct sunlight. It thrives in partially shaded or bright conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant needs a warm and humid environment to grow in. The ideal temperature for growth is around 20-30°C, but it cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C. Hence, it is ideally suited to grow in tropical and subtropical regions.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with good organic content. It grows well in loamy or sandy soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5, which is slightly acidic. It's best to avoid clay soils or soils that retain too much water, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Adequate drainage is a must for healthy growth of the plant.
Cultivation of Psychotria spithamea S.Moore
Psychotria spithamea S.Moore, commonly called “coffee plum,” is a tropical evergreen plant that is native to Africa and Madagascar. This plant enjoys warm and humid conditions with a temperature range of 65-85°F and can handle full to partial sun exposure. To grow this plant successfully, follow these cultivation practices:
- Plant the coffee plum in well-draining soil and make sure the planting area is rich in organic matter.
- Ensure proper drainage in the planting area to avoid root rot.
- Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging.
- Use mulch to retain the moisture in the soil.
- Prune the plant occasionally to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
- Fertilize the plant every six months with a balanced fertilizer.
Watering Needs
The coffee plum requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. It is recommended to water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the humidity and temperature in the area. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize the coffee plum plant every six months with a balanced fertilizer. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to promote healthy vegetative growth. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant and water it in.
Pruning
Pruning the coffee plum plant will help maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be carried out in the early spring to encourage new growth. Use sharp pruning shears, and make clean cuts just above the node. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and shape the plant to your desired size.
Propagation of Psychotria spithamea S.Moore
Psychotria spithamea S.Moore, commonly known as "Nduru" in Kenya, is a medicinal plant used to treat various ailments such as stomach ache, fever, and cough. Propagation of Psychotria spithamea S.Moore can be done through the following methods:
Seed propagation
The seeds of Psychotria spithamea S.Moore can be collected from ripe fruits. The collected seeds can be cleaned and sown in a well-prepared seedbed or in pots filled with well-draining soil. The pots or seedbed should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be planted in their final position after they have developed several leaves.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation of Psychotria spithamea S.Moore can also be done by using stem cuttings of the plant. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants, preferably during the rainy season. The cuttings should be at least 10cm long and with 2-3 nodes. The leaves at the bottom should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormones to increase their chances of rooting. The cuttings should be planted in small pots filled with well-draining soil and kept in a shaded area for at least 4-6 weeks. After the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted to their final position.
Division propagation
Division propagation is another method of propagation for Psychotria spithamea S.Moore. The plant is divided into smaller clumps, making sure that each clump has at least one stem and a healthy root system. The divided clumps should be planted in small pots or directly into their final position. It is essential to keep the soil moist until the plants have established themselves.
Disease Management
Psychotria spithamea S.Moore is generally a healthy plant with low susceptibility to diseases. However, it can still fall victim to certain types of diseases. One of the most common diseases that affects this plant is leaf spot. This disease causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves, and if left untreated, the plant can lose its leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune away infected leaves and maintain good plant hygiene by cleaning up any fallen leaves. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Root rot can also affect Psychotria spithamea S.Moore, especially in poorly drained soils or overwatered plants. This disease causes root decay and can eventually lead to the death of the plant. The best way to manage root rot is to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Pest Management
Pests can also be a problem for Psychotria spithamea S.Moore. One of the most common pests is the spider mite, which appears as tiny red or black dots on the leaves. Spider mites suck the sap from the leaves and can cause severe damage if left untreated. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the leaves with water to reduce their numbers, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
The plant can also be affected by mealybugs, which appear as white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems. These insects suck the sap from the plant, which can cause the leaves to yellow and curl. To manage mealybugs, the affected areas can be treated with an insecticidal soap or wiped with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Overall, maintaining good plant hygiene, avoiding overwatering, and using chemical treatments sparingly can help keep Psychotria spithamea S.Moore healthy and free of pests and diseases.
