Origin and Common names
Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern, also known as Benguela three-cup bush, is a shrub species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Angola, particularly in the Benguela province.Appearance
The Benguela three-cup bush grows up to 2-3 meters in height. It has a rounded and dense crown, with a single stem that can either be upright or bent. The branches are woody and have a light greyish-brown color, with the younger shoots possessing a dense pubescence. The leaves are opposite, elliptic, and rounded at the base. The upper side of the leaves is dark green and glossy, while the underside is lighter in color with a slightly hairy texture. The plant's flowers are small and white and appear in groups of three at each node, with each flower supported on a short stalk.Uses
While there is limited information on the medicinal uses of Tricalysia benguellensis, researchers have identified the presence of triterpenoids and other compounds in the plant with potential pharmacological properties. Additionally, the wood of the Benguela three-cup bush is used for firewood, charcoal production, and as a material for constructing poles and farm tools. In Angola, Tricalysia benguellensis is also used in traditional ceremonies and rituals, although specific details on this use are scarce.Light Requirements
Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern grows well in bright and indirect light. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight for extended periods as it may burn the leaves. Therefore, it is ideal to place the plant in a spot with filtered light or partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to thrive; it grows best in temperatures between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate cold temperatures and may start shedding its leaves if exposed to cold drafts or temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is best to use a potting mix that holds moisture well but also drains excess water. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Additionally, the plant requires consistent watering to maintain healthy growth.
Cultivation
Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern is a plant that thrives best in warm, humid climates. It is suitable for outdoor cultivation in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 11. The plant prefers well-draining soil, which should be rich in organic matter.
Ensure that while planting your Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern, the roots are not disturbed. It is because this plant is fragile, and any damage to the roots can be detrimental to it.
Plant your Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern in a location that receives some shade, especially in the hottest months of the year. Excessive sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, and the plant might struggle to grow.
Watering Needs
Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly, but make sure that the water drains away from the roots.
Ensure you do not let the soil dry up for an extended period. However, do not overwater the plant to avoid waterlogging the roots.
Fertilization
Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Use a high-quality fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients will help the plant to produce more foliage and flowers.
During the planting time, mix the fertilizer into the soil to give the plant a head start. Subsequently, feed your Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer, following the directions on the package.
Pruning
Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern only requires pruning to remove dead or diseased branches. Prune your plant in late winter or early spring before the growing season starts. Trim the branches back to healthy wood, taking care not to damage the surrounding tissue.
If necessary, you can also trim the plant to control its size. However, be careful not to prune more than 30% of the plant at once. Too much pruning can shock the plant and harm its growth.
Propagation of Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern
Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern can be propagated through different methods depending on the resources and needs of the grower. The plant can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is a straightforward method, but it can take some time to achieve a mature plant. The seeds should be collected from a mature and healthy plant. The seeds should be cleaned and sown in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds need to be kept moist and warm. Germination can take up to four months to occur. Once the plant has reached a good size, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can be a quicker method of propagation compared to seeds. The cuttings should be taken from a mature plant. The cuttings should be about six inches long, and the leaves should be removed from the bottom half. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm until they have rooted. Once the cuttings have rooted and new growth has formed, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is another method that can be used for Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern. Layering involves bending a shoot down to the ground and burying it slightly while it is still attached to the parent plant. Once roots have formed, the new plant can be detached from the parent plant and transplanted into an individual pot.
Propagation of Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern through any of these methods can ensure that a grower can propagate many plants to have a healthy population of this plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern
Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern is a plant species commonly found in the tropical regions of Africa. Like any other plant, this species can be affected by different pests and diseases that can negatively impact its growth and overall health. In this section, we will discuss the most common diseases and pests that might affect Tricalysia benguellensis and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Spot: The bacterial leaf spot is one of the most common diseases that affects Tricalysia benguellensis. This disease causes the leaves to spot and eventually drop off. To manage bacterial leaf spot, it is advisable to remove the affected leaves, increase air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. In severe cases, you can also use copper-based fungicides.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that also causes the leaves of Tricalysia benguellensis to spot and drop off. The disease can be managed by removing the affected plant parts, promoting good air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering. In severe cases, you can use fungicides containing azoxystrobin, copper, or mancozeb.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white pests that suck sap from the plant material. They can be easily identified by the white, cottony substance they leave behind. To manage mealybugs, you can remove them manually or use insecticidal soap.
Mites: Mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves of Tricalysia benguellensis, causing them to appear yellow or brown. To manage mites, you can use insecticidal soap or miticides.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are another common pest that can infect Tricalysia benguellensis. They appear as small, circular bumps on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage them, you can remove them manually or use insecticidal soap.
By following the above recommendations, you can manage the common diseases and pests that affect Tricalysia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern effectively. It is also advisable to keep the plant healthy by providing it with optimal growing conditions and regular fertilization to prevent any infections or infestations.
