Overview
Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf, also known as African Tabernanthe, is a shrub that belongs to the family Apocynaceae.
Origin
The African Tabernanthe is native to western and central Africa, including Nigeria, Congo, and Cameroon.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as African Tabernanthe and African green coffee.
General Appearance
The African Tabernanthe is a small shrub that grows up to 1-3 meters in height. It has shiny, green leaves that are obovate or lanceolate in shape and measure 5-10 cm in length and 2-5 cm in width. The stem is slender, woody, and lacks branches. The flowers are small and white, measuring up to 1 cm in diameter. The plant also produces orange or red, ellipsoid-shaped fruits that contain seeds.
Uses
The African Tabernanthe is used for its medicinal properties. The plant contains alkaloids such as ibogaine, which is known to have psychoactive properties. It has been traditionally used for treating various ailments such as fever, pain, and hypertension. The plant is also used as a stimulant and is believed to improve cognitive abilities. The seeds of the plant are roasted and used as a substitute for coffee in some regions of Africa.
Light Requirements
Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf is a plant that thrives in partial or full shade. Direct sunlight exposure may have a detrimental effect on its growth and may lead to leaf scorching. Therefore, it is necessary to place the plant in an area that receives ample indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf grows best in tropical and subtropical regions with warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Lower temperatures may slow down the growth of the plant, while overly high temperatures may cause the leaves to wilt and dry up. Protecting the plant from cold drafts is also important to keep it healthy.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf are those that are well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral. The plant prefers soils that are rich in nutrients, humus, and organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is also important to water the plant regularly to prevent drought stress. The use of a slow-release fertilizer can also aid in the growth and health of the Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf plant.
Cultivation Methods for Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf
Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures, high humidity, and well-draining soil for optimal growth. It can be grown as a potted plant indoors or outdoors if the climate conditions are met.
The plant should be grown in a pot that is at least 8-10 inches deep to allow for proper root development. The soil mix should consist of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and sand, which will ensure good drainage and aeration. The pot should be placed in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight, but not direct sunlight.
Watering Needs for Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf
The plant prefers to be moderately moist, which means it should not be allowed to dry out completely or be overwatered. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, and do not allow the plant to sit in standing water, as this can cause root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency to avoid waterlogging the soil and causing root damage.
Fertilization for Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf
Fertilize the plant during the growing season, which is typically from spring to summer, using a balanced liquid fertilizer that is diluted according to the instructions on the label. Do not fertilize during the winter months as the plant goes into a dormant period. Over-fertilizing the plant can lead to leaf burn, root damage, and even death.
Pruning for Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf
Prune the plant in the spring to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or diseased foliage. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle, as jagged cuts can lead to further damage. You should also remove any spent flowers or fruits to promote new growth and prevent the plant from using its energy to produce seeds instead of growing.
Propagation of Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf
Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf, also known as African wild coffee, is a tropical and evergreen shrub that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to West and Central Africa and is typically found in thickets, wooded areas, and swamp forests. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Tabernanthe subsessilis is through seeds. This method requires collecting ripe fruits from the plant, which usually happens between July and September. Once the fruits are collected, they are then cleaned, and the seeds are extracted. To increase the chances of germination, it is essential to remove the aril, which is a fleshy covering that surrounds the seed. Afterward, the seeds are planted in a well-draining soil mixture and should be covered with a thin layer of soil. It is crucial to maintain consistent moisture and warmth to encourage germination.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through stem cuttings is another method that can be used to propagate Tabernanthe subsessilis. This method entails taking cuttings of about 10-15 cm in length from the plant's stem, preferably from the tender new growth. The bottom part of the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone, and then they are planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings are then placed in a warm and humid place, preferably with high indirect light and misted regularly to promote root formation. The rooted cuttings can then be transplanted into individual pots or a garden once they have established roots.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that is commonly used for plants that are difficult to root. It involves creating a wound on the plant stem and covering the wound with moist rooting medium to encourage root growth. This method is suitable for Tabernanthe subsessilis with thick stems. Here, a section of the stem is cut slightly, and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound. The wounded section is then covered with moist sphagnum moss or any other rooting medium, which is then secured using plastic wrap. The plant will develop roots at the wounded section, and once they have sufficiently grown, the rooted section can be separated from the parent plant and planted in its pot or garden bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf
Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf, commonly known as African wild coffee, is a shrub native to tropical Africa. It is grown as an ornamental plant and also has medicinal uses. Like any other plant, it is affected by various diseases and pests that can damage its growth and reduce its yield. Proper disease and pest management can help to ensure healthy growth of the plant.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, stem blight, and fruit rot. It thrives in warm and humid conditions. To manage this disease, remove the infected parts and maintain adequate ventilation to reduce humidity levels. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It causes circular brown spots with yellow halos. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and practice good sanitation by keeping the area around the plant clean. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Coffee Berry Disease: Coffee berry disease is caused by a fungus that affects the berries of the plant. It causes premature fruit drop and reduces yield. To manage this disease, remove the infected berries and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Coffee White Stem Borer: The coffee white stem borer is a pest that bores into the stems of the plant and causes stem rot. To manage this pest, prune and remove the affected branches and apply insecticides to control their spread.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to wilt and deform. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their spread and maintain good ventilation to reduce their population.
Coffee Mealybugs: Coffee mealybugs are another pest that sucks the sap from the plant. They cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage this pest, remove the infected parts and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their spread.
Regular inspection of the plant, proper sanitation, and timely application of disease and pest management measures can help to ensure healthy growth and high yield of Tabernanthe subsessilis Stapf.
