Origin
Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis is a plant species that belongs to the family Rubiaceae and is mainly found in tropical Africa. Its native range includes Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The plant grows in thickets, forests, and riverine vegetation.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Tanganyika Coffee, African Wild Coffee, or the Eastern Wild Coffee.
Uses
The plant has a variety of uses, especially in traditional medicine. Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis is used to treat abdominal pains, snakebites, dysentery, and other ailments. The dried leaves and stem of the plant can also be used to make tea, which is said to have a calming effect and can alleviate headaches and anxiety.
Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis has also been used for horticulture purposes. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, where it can be grown as a shrub or a small tree.
General Appearance
Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis is a perennial evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5 meters tall. It has a single trunk that is often twisted and turns gray with age. Its leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped, measuring about 5-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The plant produces small white flowers that are clustered in axillary cymes.
The fruit of the plant is a fleshy, red berry that is approximately 1 cm in diameter. The berry is edible, but its taste is not highly palatable. It is also said to be mildly toxic and can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems when ingested in large quantities.
Light Requirements
The Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis prefers a location with bright but filtered light. Direct sunlight must be avoided as it can scorch the leaves and hinder growth. A location near a window with sheer curtains or a spot under a tree with dappled light is ideal for the plant to flourish.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm environment with temperatures between 18°C to 26°C. It cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold which can kill the plant. Therefore, it is better to protect the plant from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining soil mix with rich organic matter is necessary for the Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis to grow healthily. The soil mix must retain moisture, but not waterlogged, as the latter can cause root decay. A mixture of loam, peat moss, and perlite is recommended to provide the necessary nutrients and aeration for the plant.
Cultivation methods
Pyschotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis is best grown in tropical or subtropical regions. If you live in a temperate climate, the plant can also be grown indoors.
The plant grows well in a well-drained soil mixture made up of peat moss, loam, and a sand mixture. The soil pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5-7.5.
Pyschotria tanganyicensis Var. tanganyicensis prefers full sunlight, but it can also tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Ensure that the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight for optimal growth.
Watering needs
Pyschotria tanganyicensis Var. tanganyicensis requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot.
Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently if the soil starts to dry out. The frequency of watering can vary depending on the climate and humidity of the area.
During the cooler months, water the plant less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize Pyschotria tanganyicensis Var. tanganyicensis every two to three months during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
Add the fertilizer to the soil mixture or sprinkle a small amount around the base of the plant before watering. Be sure not to exceed the recommended dosage, as this can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Pyschotria tanganyicensis Var. tanganyicensis is necessary to promote healthy growth and shape the plant. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth appears.
Remove any dead or damaged branches or leaves by cutting them off with a pair of clean and sharp pruning shears. It is also essential to remove any suckers that emerge from the base of the plant.
You can also prune the plant to shape it or control its size, but be mindful not to remove more than a third of the plant's overall foliage to avoid excessive stress on the plant.
Propagation of Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis
There are several methods of propagation for Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Psychotria tanganyicensis can be collected from the fruit when it is fully ripe and dark in color. The seeds should be cleaned, rinsed and dried before being sown. They should be sown in a well-drained mixture of compost and sand. The seedlings should be kept in a warm, humid and shaded environment until they are strong enough to be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can be taken from the softwood of the plant during the rainy season. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained mixture of compost and sand. They should be kept in a warm, humid and shaded environment until they start developing roots. Once they start developing roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Layering propagation
Layering is another method of propagation for Psychotria tanganyicensis. This method involves making a small incision on one of the lower branches of the plant and bending it down to the ground. The branch is then covered with soil, leaving the tip of the branch exposed. Once the branch has developed roots, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis
Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis is a robust and hardy plant that can resist many pests and diseases. However, it may still be affected by some common diseases and pests. Knowing how to identify and manage these issues is essential for ensuring a healthy plant.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis is leaf spot, caused by fungal pathogens. Infected leaves will exhibit brown spots with yellow margins, which can cause early leaf drop. The use of preventive fungicides can help protect the plant from leaf spot.
Another disease that can affect this plant is root rot, caused by excessive moisture around the roots. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing and wilting leaves. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering.
Common Pests
One common pest that can affect Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis is mealybugs. These tiny insects can suck out the plant's sap, causing yellowing and stunted growth. Mealybugs also excrete a sticky honeydew that can attract other pests like ants. Use of insecticidal soap can help control mealybugs.
Spider mites can also be a problem for this plant. Infested leaves will appear stippled and yellowed and can ultimately lead to defoliation. Control spider mites with the use of miticides or by releasing predatory mites.
Management Techniques
To manage diseases and pests affecting Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis, it is essential to maintain good cultural practices. This includes providing the plant with adequate light, water, and nutrients, avoiding overcrowding, and ensuring proper ventilation. Additionally, regular inspection and monitoring of the plant can help detect and manage pest and disease problems early.
If the pest infestation or disease is severe, it may be necessary to use chemical treatments. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the labels and use the appropriate dosage to prevent plant damage and toxicity.
Overall, following proper disease and pest management techniques can help ensure that Psychotria tanganyicensis Verdc. var. tanganyicensis continues to thrive.
