Tricalysia Coriacea (benth.) Hiern Subsp. Angustifolia (j.g.garcía) Robbr.

Overview:

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. angustifolia (J.G.García) Robbr. is a flowering plant species belonging to the Rubiaceae family. This evergreen plant is native to Central and South America, including Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Costa Rica. It is commonly known as "mameyillo" in Spanish and is widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties.

Appearance:

The plant has a shrubby appearance and can grow up to 6 meters tall. The leaves are shiny, oblong to elliptical in shape, and about 10-22 cm long and 4-10 cm wide. The flower is white to cream in color and appears in clusters. The fruit is a red berry that is about 1-2 cm in diameter, containing five seeds.

Uses:

The plant has several medicinal uses. The leaves and bark of the Tricalysia coriacea subsp. angustifolia are used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headache, stomach ache, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. The plant is also used to treat snake bites and to alleviate symptoms related to menstrual cramps. The fruit of the plant is edible and is consumed locally. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is also used as a source of wood, and its bark is used in the making of ropes and baskets.

Cultivation:

The Tricalysia coriacea subsp. angustifolia prefers a tropical climate and can grow in a wide range of soils, from well-drained to clay. The plant is propagated through seeds, and it can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The plant requires moderate watering and pruning to maintain its structure. The plant can tolerate partial shade, and it is recommended to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day in areas with intense sunlight.

Conclusion:

Tricalysia coriacea subsp. angustifolia is a valuable plant with several medicinal uses, and it is also used as a source of food and wood. Its shrubby appearance and easy cultivation make it an attractive plant for home gardens and landscaping. However, it is essential to note that the plant should only be used for medicinal purposes under the guidance of a trained healthcare provider.

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Light Requirements

Tricalysia coriacea subsp. angustifolia requires bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight during the morning and late afternoon hours, but too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves. It is best to place the plant near a window with a sheer curtain or in a well-lit area that provides some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Temperature Requirements

This plant prefers warm temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but it will not grow as well. It is important to keep the plant away from drafty or cold areas in the home, such as near windows or doors. During winter, it is best to keep the plant in a warmer area or use a heating mat to maintain appropriate temperatures.

Soil Requirements

Tricalysia coriacea subsp. angustifolia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mixture consisting of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal for this plant. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5-7.0. It is important not to overwater this plant as it can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering thoroughly, and avoid allowing the plant to sit in standing water.

Cultivation Methods

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. angustifolia (J.G.García) Robbr. is a tropical plant which can grow up to 20 meters tall. It can be grown from seeds. The ideal location for growing this plant is in an area which receives partial sunlight. It can be grown in almost any type of soil as long as it is well-drained.

Watering Needs

This plant requires frequent watering during the dry season, especially if it is planted in a pot. Watering should be done when the top layer of soil is dry. Over-watering can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. angustifolia (J.G.García) Robbr. requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and health. A balanced fertilizer should be used that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer should be applied every two weeks during the growing season.

Pruning

To promote bushier growth, Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. angustifolia (J.G.García) Robbr. can be pruned in early spring. Remove any dead or diseased branches and any branches which cross or rub against each other. Be careful not to remove more than a quarter of the plant's total foliage, as this can stress the plant and affect its growth.

Propagation of Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. angustifolia (J.G.García) Robbr.

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. angustifolia (J.G.García) Robbr. is commonly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.

Seed propagation

Seeds of Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. angustifolia (J.G.García) Robbr. can be collected from mature fruits that turn yellow and soften when ripe. Clean the seeds and soak them in water for 24-48 hours before planting them in well-draining soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep them moist, preferably in a shaded area. Germination can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks.

Stem cutting propagation

Stem cuttings of Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. angustifolia (J.G.García) Robbr. can be taken from the current season's growth. Using a clean, sharp knife, cut a stem about 10-15 cm in length just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower 2/3 of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist, preferably in a shaded area. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to form roots and new growth.

Disease Management

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. angustifolia (J.G.García) Robbr. is susceptible to different diseases that can affect its growth and yield. The most common diseases that can affect this plant include:

• Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and twig blights. To manage anthracnose, infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed immediately, and the use of fungicides should be considered.
• Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that can cause white powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately, and the use of fungicides can be considered.
• Rust: This is a fungal disease that can cause yellow or orange spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage rust, infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed immediately, and the use of fungicides should be considered.

Pest Management

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. angustifolia (J.G.García) Robbr. is also susceptible to different pests that can affect its growth and yield. The most common pests that can affect this plant include:

• Aphids: These are small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage aphids, the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be considered.
• Spider mites: These are small pests that can cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves of the plant. To manage spider mites, the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be considered.
• Caterpillars: These are larvae of different butterflies and moths that can chew on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage caterpillars, the use of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad can be considered.