Simbuleta arabica Poir.:
Simbuleta arabica Poir. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is also commonly known as the Wild Coffee Tree and is native to tropical regions of Africa such as Angola, Botswana, and South Africa.
Appearance:
This plant can grow up to 8 meters tall and has a rounded canopy with dense foliage. Its leaves are evergreen and can reach up to 20 centimeters in length. The flowers are small and white, and they appear in clusters on the branches. The fruit of the Simbuleta arabica Poir. plant is a small berry that changes from green to red as it ripens and contains one or two seeds.
Uses:
The Simbuleta arabica Poir. plant has various medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The leaves and bark of this plant are used to treat fever, headache, and diarrhea. The coffee-like berries are also consumed as a stimulant and to treat digestive issues. In addition, the wood of the plant is used for carpentry and to make furniture and tools.
Moreover, the Simbuleta arabica Poir. plant is used for its ornamental purposes. It is a popular landscaping plant and is used in parks and gardens due to its attractive foliage, rounded shape, and fragrant blooms.
Light Requirements
Simbuleta arabica Poir. requires moderate to high light intensity for optimum growth and development. It can tolerate some shade, but prolonged exposure to low light conditions may lead to weak growth and poor yield. Therefore, the plant is ideally suited for sunny locations that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best under warm climatic conditions, with an average temperature range of 20-28°C. The minimum temperature required for its survival is around 10°C, while the maximum is around 40°C. Sudden temperature fluctuations or extreme temperatures may have adverse effects on the plant's growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Simbuleta arabica Poir. thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for the growth of the plant is between 5.5 -6.5. It cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils as this can cause root rot. Sandy loam to clay loam soils with good nutrient content is ideal for the plant’s growth. Regular soil testing and appropriate fertilizer application are necessary to ensure optimal growth.
Cultivation of Simbuleta arabica Poir.
Simbuleta arabica Poir. thrives in warm, humid conditions and is best grown in areas with temperatures ranging from 18 to 30°C. It prefers a well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. When planting, it is best to use a combination of organic matter, such as compost, and inorganic fertilizers to promote growth. It is recommended to plant the seeds at a depth of 2-3 cm and at a distance of 2-3 meters apart to give ample space for growth.
Watering Needs of Simbuleta arabica Poir.
Simbuleta arabica Poir. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, excessive watering can result in waterlogging, which can damage the roots. It is best to water the plant when the topsoil feels dry to the touch, making sure that the water penetrates deep into the soil. It is recommended to avoid watering the plant with hard water, which may contain harmful minerals that may harm the plant.
Fertilization of Simbuleta arabica Poir.
Simbuleta arabica Poir. requires a balanced fertilization regimen for optimal growth. Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are essential elements required for the plant's growth, and they should be added in the appropriate quantities at different growth stages. Young plants require more frequent fertilization to support their growth, while mature plants require less frequent fertilization.
Pruning of Simbuleta arabica Poir.
Simbuleta arabica Poir requires regular pruning to remove dead, damaged, or diseased parts of the plant. Pruning also prevents overcrowding of branches and facilitates penetration of light into the plant, promoting growth. It is best to carry out pruning during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. For optimal results, it is recommended to use sterile pruning tools to avoid transferring diseases from one plant to another.
Propagation of Simbuleta arabica Poir.
Simbuleta arabica Poir., also known as Arabian coffee, is propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seed germination, which can take up to four years for the seedlings to mature and bear fruit. For this method, seeds should be harvested from ripe coffee cherries and washed thoroughly to remove any residual fruit. They should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix in a warm and shaded area.
Asexual Propagation
The more commonly used method of propagation for Simbuleta arabica Poir. is asexual propagation. This is because it not only produces plants that have the same genetic makeup as the parent plant but also reduces the time it takes for the plant to mature and bear fruit.
The asexual propagation methods for Arabian coffee include:
- Cutting: Select healthy branches from the parent plant, about 15-20 cm long, and remove all the leaves except for two or three at the top. Then, plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep them in a warm and shaded area.
- Air layering: Choose a healthy branch from the parent plant and make a 3-4 cm cut just below a node. Then, apply a rooting hormone to the cut area and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss, followed by plastic to hold the moss in place. After a few weeks, roots should begin to form, and the cutting can be detached from the parent plant and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
- Tissue culture: This is a laboratory technique that involves taking a small piece of the parent plant and growing it in a nutrient-rich medium under controlled conditions to produce new plants. This method is commonly used for large-scale production of Simbuleta arabica Poir. plants.
Propagation by cutting and air layering is the most common method used for small-scale production, while tissue culture is used for large-scale production. Whichever method is used, it is essential to maintain the proper soil moisture and temperature for optimal growth and development of the new plants.
Disease Management
Simbuleta arabica Poir. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect the plant's growth and yield. To manage these diseases, it is important to follow cultural practices like crop rotation, proper irrigation, and pruning to prevent the spread of diseases from one plant to another.
One of the most common diseases that affect Simbuleta arabica is coffee rust, which is caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix. Rust manifests in yellow or orange-colored patches on the leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced yields. To manage rust, the affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides like copper-based sprays can also be used to manage rust, although caution should be taken to avoid damaging beneficial insects and non-target organisms.
Another disease that affects Simbuleta arabica is coffee berry disease, which is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum kahawae. It affects the coffee cherries, causing them to rot, leading to the loss of yield. To manage this disease, cultural practices like pruning to increase air circulation and proper drainage can be implemented. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease if the infection is severe.
Pest Management
Simbuleta arabica is also prone to attacks from various pests that can affect its health and yield. Pest management practices for Simbuleta arabica should focus on utilizing integrated pest management strategies that incorporate both cultural and chemical methods.
One of the common pests that attack Simbuleta arabica is the coffee berry borer, which is a small beetle that lays its eggs inside the coffee cherry. This leads to the destruction of the berry, reduces yields, and affects bean quality. To manage this pest, cultural practices like the removal of infected cherries, proper harvesting, and post-harvesting processing can be implemented. Insecticides like pyrethroids can also be used to manage the pest.
Another pest that affects Simbuleta arabica is the coffee white stem borer, which is a beetle that attacks branches and stems. The pest attacks the stem, leading to the wilting of leaves and branches and eventually death. Cultural management of stem borer includes pruning infested branches, removing infested plant debris, and using healthy seedlings. Insecticides like cypermethrin and imidacloprid can also be used to manage the pest.
In conclusion, Simbuleta arabica is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. It is essential to implement cultural practices like crop rotation, pruning, and proper irrigation to prevent the spread of diseases and reduce pest infestations. Chemical methods like fungicides and insecticides can also be used to manage pests and diseases, although caution should be taken to avoid negative impacts on the environment and non-target organisms.
