Sabicea calycina Benth.: A Brief Introduction
Sabicea calycina Benth. is a perennial plant from the family Rubiaceae. This plant is native to the tropical regions of Africa, where it is commonly found in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, and Congo.
Common Names
Sabicea calycina Benth. goes by various common names depending on the African language and the region. In Ghana, it is known as Yaa Tia, while in Nigeria, it is called Uduak. In Sierra Leone, some people call it Booma, and in Cameroon, it is known as Muagi. The plant is also referred to as African wild coffee, thanks to the significant resemblance it shares with coffee plants.
Uses of Sabicea calycina Benth.
Sabicea calycina Benth. has various medicinal and commercial uses. In some African countries like Ghana and Nigeria, the plant's roots and leaves are boiled to make a bitter tonic that is believed to cure malaria, measles, and stomach problems. As a result, the plant has been an essential part of traditional African medicine since ancient times.
The stems of Sabicea calycina Benth. are also used to make ropes, while the plant's fruits are edible and used to make jams and jellies. The flowers, which bloom from April to May, are a source of nectar for bees, and the plant plays a crucial role in pollination and honey production.
General Appearance
Sabicea calycina Benth. is a climbing plant that can grow up to two meters in height. The plant has smooth bark with greenish-brown stems that are typically cylindrical and sparsely branched. The leaves are dark green, oblong, opposite, and slightly hairy on the underside. The flowers are small, white, and typically found growing in clusters at the top of the stems. The fruits are orange-red, round, and fleshy, each containing several small seeds. Sabicea calycina Benth.'s general appearance makes it an attractive ornamental plant and a crucial part of African cultural heritage.
Light Requirements
Sabicea calycina Benth. is a shade-tolerant plant, which means it can grow in areas with moderate to low light. However, it is best to expose the plant to partial sunlight or light shade to allow for photosynthesis and to promote overall growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Sabicea calycina Benth. growth is between 23°C to 27°C, with a minimum temperature of 15°C. It is important to note that the plant can survive in cooler temperatures, but growth is greatly reduced. Excessively high temperatures can also cause dehydration and slow down growth.
Soil Requirements
Sabicea calycina Benth. prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.0-7.5. The plant requires adequate moisture, but excess water can cause root rot. It is recommended to use a mixture of loam and sand to improve drainage and promote healthy root development. The addition of organic matter such as compost, manure, or peat moss can also provide nutrients necessary for growth.
Cultivation Methods
Sabicea calycina Benth. is an evergreen shrub that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated using seeds or stem cuttings. If grown from seeds, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24-48 hours before planting.
The planting site should receive partial shade or full sun, and the plant requires regular watering for the successful establishment of roots. It is recommended to plant the shrub during the rainy season to facilitate the establishment of the plant.
Watering Needs
The Sabicea calycina Benth. plant requires regular watering until its roots are well established. Afterward, it must be watered only when the soil becomes dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to die. Additionally, the plant requires good drainage to thrive.
Fertilization
To promote the growth and health of Sabicea calycina Benth., it needs regular fertilization. This plant can benefit from an application of a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks. However, it is vital to adjust the application rate according to the specific recommendations on the fertilizer label to avoid fertilizer burns.
Organic fertilizers can also be used to promote the growth of Sabicea calycina Benth. For instance, cow dung or compost can be applied around the base of the plant, and it acts as a slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning of Sabicea calycina Benth. should be done after flowering to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Moderate pruning is recommended to avoid over-pruning, which can lead to stunting the growth of the plant. Pruning also helps to increase air circulation within the plant canopy, which reduces the risk of fungal infections.
Propagation methods of Sabicea calycina Benth.
The plant Sabicea calycina Benth. can be propagated using several methods. Here are the most commonly used:
Seed propagation
The plant produces small, round seeds that can be collected from the ripe fruit. The seeds are usually sown in a seedbed or pots filled with a well-drained potting mix. The seeds are then covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. The seedlings will emerge in 2-3 weeks. They can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground after they have developed a couple of true leaves.
Softwood cutting propagation
Softwood cuttings can be taken from the young growth of Sabicea calycina Benth. This method is usually done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a 4-6 inch stem and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the bottom of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-drained potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and warm until roots have developed. Once the roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Division propagation
Division propagation can be done when the plant has grown large enough to be divided. Remove the plant from the soil and separate it into several easy-to-handle sections. Each section should have some roots attached. Replant the sections in a well-draining mix, and keep them moist until they become established.
These are the most commonly used propagation methods for Sabicea calycina Benth. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Choose the method that works best for your particular situation and needs.
Disease Management for Sabicea Calycina Benth
Sabicea calycina Benth can be vulnerable to a range of diseases, including leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. It is essential to promptly identify and treat these diseases to minimize their impact on the plant's growth and overall health.
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots to form on the leaves, which eventually spread and merge, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that affects Sabicea calycina Benth and causes a white, powdery coating to form on the foliage, reducing photosynthesis and ultimately weakening the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
Root rot is a potentially lethal disease that can be caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. It leads to the death of the plant's roots, disrupting water and nutrient uptake. To prevent root rot, ensure the plant is growing in well-drained soil, do not overwater, and remove and dispose of infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.
Pest Management for Sabicea Calycina Benth
Sabicea calycina Benth is a shrub that can attract several pests, including spider mites, whiteflies, and Aphids. These pests can cause stunted growth, defoliation, and other damage to the plant. Here are some ways to manage these pests:
Spider mites are tiny eight-legged pests that live on the undersides of leaves and feed on plant sap, causing yellow stippling and leaf drop. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a hose to knock them off and create a less hospitable environment. Additionally, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or a neem oil-based spray.
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that feed on plant sap and excrete honeydew, leading to distorted growth and fungal issues. To manage whiteflies, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, or use a sticky trap to capture them.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap and reproduce quickly, leading to stunted growth and sooty mold. To manage Aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to remove them physically, or treat the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
