Tricalysia Coriacea (benth.) Hiern Subsp. Coriacea

Origin

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. coriacea is a plant species that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. This species is native to the tropical regions of Africa.

Common Names

This species of plant has numerous common names such as Lipado (Swahili), Mukantubila (Tshiluba), and Mupini (Kikongo).

Appearance

Tricalysia coriacea is a shrub or small tree with a height of 1-3 m. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown. The leaves are opposite, elliptical, and have a dark green color with a leathery texture. The flowers bloom in late fall, and they are pink to white in color. The fruit of the plant is a small capsule containing numerous seeds.

Uses

Tricalysia coriacea has various uses in traditional medicine. The roots, bark, and leaves of the plant are used to treat various illnesses such as fever, infections, and stomach-related ailments. In addition, the plant is used to treat cancer and hypertension in some African communities. The leaves of the plant are also used for seasoning food.

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Light Requirements

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. coriacea typically grows well in partially shaded areas, receiving around 50-80% sunlight. It can also tolerate full shade, although it may require more time to mature.

Temperature Requirements

The plant grows best in areas with temperatures ranging from 18-28 °C (64-82 °F). It can tolerate occasional drops in temperature, but frost can damage the plant.

Soil Requirements

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. coriacea prefers well-draining soils rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 5.5-7.0. The soil should also be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogged conditions can harm the plant's roots.

Cultivation

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. coriacea is a tropical plant that requires warmth and humidity to thrive. It grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers to be placed in areas that receive bright, indirect sunlight.

It can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on the climate. Outdoor plants should be placed in a sheltered location away from strong winds, while indoor plants need a warm and humid environment with occasional misting of water.

Propagation is usually done through softwood or semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken during the growing season. Once rooted, plants should be transferred to their permanent growing location.

Watering Needs

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. coriacea requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant with room temperature water, allowing the water to soak deep into the soil. While it likes moisture, overwatering can lead to root rot. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining.

The frequency of watering will depend on factors such as the pot size, humidity levels, and temperature. During the summer months, the plant will require more frequent watering than during winter.

Fertilization

Fertilization is necessary to ensure that Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. coriacea grows well and remains healthy. The plant benefits from regular applications of balanced fertilizers, which contain equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.

Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, from spring to fall. Over-fertilization can be harmful to the plant, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and avoid applying too much fertilizer.

Pruning

Pruning is essential to control the shape and size of Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. coriacea. It is best to carry out pruning during the dormant season, around late winter or early spring.

The plant can be pruned to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. It can also be pruned to maintain a desired shape and height. To ensure proper healing, make clean and precise cuts with a sharp pruning tool.

Regular pruning will help to promote healthy growth and improve the overall appearance of the plant.

Propagation of Tricalysia Coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. Coriacea

Tricalysia Coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. Coriacea is a rare plant species found in the mountainous areas of East Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania. The plant is mostly propagated through seeds and cuttings.

Seed Propagation

Seeds are generally preferred as the primary method of propagation since it is more reliable. The recommended time for planting seeds is during the rainy season from March to April.

The seeds must be collected from ripe fruits and must be kept dry in an airtight container until it is time to plant them. The seeds should be sown into a mixture of soil and manure or compost in a tray or pot. It is necessary to water the seedlings well and frequently, especially during dry spells.

After approximately four months, the seedlings will be big enough to be transplanted into a bigger pot or to an open field. It is essential to be careful not to disturb the roots while transplanting the seedlings.

Cutting Propagation

Cutting propagation is another common method used to propagate Tricalysia Coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. Coriacea. The cuttings should be collected from healthy, mature plants, with a minimum of four nodes per cutting. The recommended time for cutting propagation is during the rainy season, although it is possible to do it all year round if an appropriate environment is available.

The cuttings must be made from the branches of the plant and should have at least two sets of functional leaves. The cuttings should be dipped in hormone rooting powder to stimulate root growth and then planted in a substrate mixture of peat moss and perlite.

The cuttings should be watered well and placed under high humidity. A clear plastic bag may be placed over the top of the pot to maintain moisture and humidity. After approximately six weeks, roots will have developed, and the plants may be transplanted into a permanent pot or an open field.

Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. coriacea

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. coriacea is a tropical plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is mainly found in Africa. While it is a relatively resilient plant, it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests which can damage its growth and affect the plant's yield. In this article, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and suggest ways to manage them.

Common Diseases

Anthracnose: Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and manifests as necrotic spots on the leaves and stems. This disease can lead to defoliation, and severe infections can result in dieback or death of the plant. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to maintain good cultural practices such as providing adequate drainage and maintaining proper irrigation. You can also manage the disease by applying fungicides that contain copper or other recommended chemicals.

Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Corynespora cassiicola and manifests as small, circular spots on the leaves, which then turn brown and dry up. The disease can also affect the fruit leading to fruit rot and a decrease in yield. To manage leaf spot, you can apply recommended fungicides, remove infected leaves, and maintain optimal conditions for plant growth.

Common Pests

Mealybugs: Mealybugs suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. The bugs also excrete a sticky substance, known as honeydew, which can lead to the development of sooty mold. To manage mealybugs, you can use natural predators like ladybirds, or you can apply insecticides that contain neem or other recommended chemicals.

Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, leaf curling, and stunted growth. To manage mites, you can apply insecticides that contain miticides, or you can use natural predators like predatory mites.

Conclusion

Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. coriacea requires proper care to maintain its growth and yield. While the plant is relatively hardy, it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests, and it is essential to identify and manage them to ensure optimal plant health. By using recommended techniques and chemicals, you can manage these pests and diseases and ensure that your plant remains healthy and productive.