Overview of Tricalysia Bequaertii De Wild.
Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. is a plant that belongs to the family of Rubiaceae. Commonly referred to as Bequaert's Tricalysia, it is native to Central African countries such as Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Gabon.
General Appearance
The Bequaert's Tricalysia is a small tree that grows up to 2 meters high. Its unique greenish-grey bark has a rough texture, and the twigs are known to be four-angled. Its leaves are shiny and green with a distinct venation pattern. They are oval and lancet-shaped, measuring up to 15 centimeters long and 7 centimeters wide. The plant also produces small, white flowers that can grow up to 2 centimeters long. The flowers grow in clusters and are accompanied by red fruits that contain small black seeds.
Common Uses
The Bequaert's Tricalysia plant has various medicinal uses in African communities. They use its roots to prepare a concoction that treats fever, headache, and diarrhea. It also has antibacterial properties that make it useful in treating bacterial infections. In Cameroon, the plant is used to prepare a bitter, yellowish tea called Mbil-bwi which is believed to have therapeutic properties.
Apart from its medicinal purposes, the plant is also commonly used as a decorative plant in African gardens and settings. Its unique bark and shiny leaves are admired by many and have been used to decorate offices and other indoor environments around the world.
Light Requirements
Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. prefers to grow in bright, but indirect light. It is commonly found growing under the forest canopy where it receives dappled sunlight. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant, causing leaf scorching and drying out the soil too quickly.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm, humid conditions. Optimal temperature range for the growth of Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C may cause the plant to go dormant and halt growth, whereas temperatures above 35°C can be detrimental to the plant and lead to wilting and leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. prefers well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for the plant to grow in. The soil should be kept moist at all times, but not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot. Adding a layer of mulch around the plant can help retain moisture and regulate the temperature of the soil.
Cultivation methods:
Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It requires filtered sunlight and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated through seed or stem cuttings. It can be grown in pots, containers or directly in the ground.
Watering needs:
The watering needs of Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. depend on the environmental conditions and the season. During the growing season, it requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist without being waterlogged. In the winter months, the plant can tolerate occasional dryness. Over-watering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization:
Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. benefits from regular feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizers should be applied during the growing season, from early spring until late summer, to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to nutrient burn and damage the plant.
Pruning:
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and size of Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. It is best done in the early spring before new growth appears. Prune any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Prune to shape and control the size of the plant. Trimming back the branches will promote bushier growth and encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation of Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild.
Seeds: The plant Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. can be propagated using its seeds. The seeds need to be fresh and sown immediately after collection. The soil should be adequately moist, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 to 2 cm in the soil. The container should be kept in a warm and humid place to encourage germination. The seeds usually take 4 to 6 weeks to germinate, after which they can be transplanted to individual containers.
Cuttings: Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. can also be propagated using stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings, about 10 to 15 cm long, can be taken from the plant during early summer. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the base should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cutting should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and humid place. The cuttings usually take 3 to 4 weeks to root, after which they can be transplanted to individual containers.
Air layering: Another propagation method for Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. is air layering. Select a healthy stem and make a 2 cm cut on the stem. Apply rooting hormone powder on the area, wrap moist sphagnum moss around it and cover it with plastic wrap. The moss should be kept moist, and roots should start to form in about 4 weeks. Once the roots are well-established, the new plant can be cut off from the mother plant and potted into an individual container.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild.
Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild., also known as the African coffee plant, is a sturdy plant but can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common issues that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal infections: Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. can be susceptible to fungal infections such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. These diseases manifest as white, dusty patches on the leaves or as brown spots. To manage fungal infections, it is advisable to remove the infected leaves and to improve air circulation and reduce humidity around the plant. Fungicides may also be applied to the plant as recommended by a professional.
Bacterial blight: This is a bacterial infection that causes wilting of the leaves and stunted growth. The disease can spread quickly, so it is best to remove and dispose of any infected plants. To prevent bacterial blight, proper sanitation practices such as cleaning pruning tools and reducing overhead watering can prevent the spread of disease.
Common Pests
Coffee berry borer: This beetle is a major pest of coffee plants and can also affect Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. The coffee berry borer lays eggs in the coffee cherry and the larvae feed on the coffee beans. To manage the coffee berry borer, the use of organic pesticides or other control methods such as the application of beneficial nematodes can be effective.
Scale insects: Scale insects are tiny pests that attach to the leaves and stems of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. To manage scale insects, it is best to remove the infected leaves and twigs. The use of insecticides may also be necessary as recommended by a professional.
Regular monitoring and proper care such as watering, fertilization, and pruning can also prevent diseases and pests from attacking Tricalysia bequaertii De Wild. It is best to consult a professional if there are any concerns or if more information is needed.
