Tricalysia bracteata Hiern: A Overview
Tricalysia bracteata Hiern, commonly known as Punguyhe-ali in Assamese, is a plant species that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. This plant is found in the northeastern region of India, specifically in the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. It also grows in the neighboring countries of China and Myanmar.
Plant Appearance
Tricalysia bracteata Hiern has small to medium-sized shrubs that have a height of up to 2-3 meters. The branches are thin and pubescent. The leaves are ovate in shape and have a length of around 6-10 cm. They are deep green in color and have an acuminate apex. The flowers are white and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a smooth and shiny berry that turns red when mature. The seeds are small and elliptical in shape.
Uses of Tricalysia bracteata Hiern
The plant has various uses in traditional medicine. The roots, bark, and leaves of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases. The leaves are also used as a remedy for cough and sore throat. Additionally, the plant is used to make dye for cloth and baskets. The fruit is edible and is used in traditional cuisine.
Tricalysia bracteata Hiern is an important plant species in the ecosystems where it grows. It provides food and habitat for a variety of animals, including birds, insects, and mammals. The plant also helps prevent soil erosion and maintains the ecological balance of its habitat.
Light Requirements
Tricalysia bracteata Hiern requires partial shade to full sun exposure for healthy growth. In their natural habitat, these plants grow in the understory of forests with dappled light. However, they can also tolerate full sun, provided that they receive adequate water and nutrient supply.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Tricalysia bracteata Hiern growth is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). These plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 10-35°C (50-95°F) to some extent. However, they may experience growth stunting or even die if exposed to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods.
Soil Requirements
Tricalysia bracteata Hiern thrives in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6-7.5. These plants prefer moist soils that are rich in organic matter. They can grow in various soil types, including loam, sand, and clay, as long as it does not become waterlogged. Adequate soil drainage is essential for preventing root rot and fungal infections.
Cultivation Methods of Tricalysia bracteata Hiern
Tricalysia bracteata Hiern is an evergreen shrub that is native to West and Central Africa, and it grows best in warm and humid climates. It can be grown outdoors in areas that have a similar climate to its natural habitat.
If you live in a cooler region, you can grow it indoors in a greenhouse or a well-lit area. The plant thrives in partial shade and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, so it requires sufficient space for proper growth.
Watering Needs of Tricalysia bracteata Hiern
Tricalysia bracteata Hiern needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent root rot. You can water it once a week, or more frequently during hot and dry weather conditions. During winter, reduce the watering frequency to once every two to three weeks.
Fertilization of Tricalysia bracteata Hiern
Tricalysia bracteata Hiern responds well to regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming. Apply the fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. Reduce the fertilizer frequency to once every two months during winter. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause the plant to produce excessive foliage at the expense of blooming.
Pruning of Tricalysia bracteata Hiern
Tricalysia bracteata Hiern requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as you notice them. You can also prune the plant to control its size and shape. Prune it after blooming to prevent the loss of buds for the following season. Use sharp and clean pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Tricalysia bracteata Hiern
Tricalysia bracteata Hiern can be propagated using various methods. However, the most common method is through the use of seeds.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Tricalysia bracteata Hiern can be acquired from mature fruits that are ripened on the plant, and the seeds should be harvested when they are fully mature. The seeds should be cleaned, and the pulp should be removed. The seeds can then be sown in a mixture of rich soil and sand, either directly in the ground or in containers. The containers should be kept moist, and the seedlings should be transplanted to their final location when they have reached a sufficient size. Alternatively, the seeds can be kept in a refrigerator for a short period before sowing to promote germination.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Tricalysia bracteata Hiern is through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants. The cuttings should be trimmed to about 15 centimetres in length and dipped into a rooting hormone powder or liquid. The cuttings should then be planted in a mixture of rich soil, perlite, and sand. The cuttings should be kept moist, and new growth should appear within a few weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
The air layering method of propagation can also be used for Tricalysia bracteata Hiern. This involves making a small cut in a stem and wrapping it with damp sphagnum moss or a similar material. The wrapped area should be covered with plastic to retain moisture. Roots will grow from the cut area, and when they are visible, the rooted stem can be detached from the parent plant and planted in rich soil.
Conclusion
Tricalysia bracteata Hiern can be propagated using various methods, including seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and air-layering propagation. Regardless of the method used, the plant requires rich soil, adequate moisture, and proper care to successfully grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia bracteata Hiern
Tricalysia bracteata Hiern, commonly known as the African coffee tree, is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests that require careful management to ensure optimal growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Tricalysia bracteata is coffee wilt disease, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Symptoms of coffee wilt disease include yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant. To manage, infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and soil sterilization should be carried out before replanting.
Brown spot disease, caused by the fungus Mycena citricolor, is also prevalent in Tricalysia bracteata. This disease is characterized by the presence of brown spots on the leaves and stems. It can be controlled through fungicide application and proper plant spacing to improve air circulation and reduce humidity.
Common Pests
The most common pests affecting Tricalysia bracteata include coffee berry borer, leaf miners, and mealybugs. Coffee berry borer is a beetle that bores into the coffee berry and lays its eggs, leading to the destruction of the berry and reduced yield. This pest can be controlled through the use of pheromone traps, regular harvesting, and the removal and destruction of infested berries.
Leaf miners and mealybugs feed on the plant's leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis and growth. They can be managed through the use of insecticides, natural predators, and the removal of infected leaves.
Overall, prevention through good plant management practices, such as proper pruning and weed control, is the best approach to manage diseases and pests in Tricalysia bracteata Hiern. Early detection and prompt action are also important to avoid the spread of diseases and pests.
