Plant Description:
Tricalysia griseiflora K.Schum. var. benguellensis (Welw. ex Hiern) Robbr. is a bushy plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It can grow up to 2 meters tall and has a woody stem with a grayish-brown bark. The leaves are opposite, simple, and elliptic in shape, with a smooth margin. The plant produces small, white flowers in clusters, which are followed by red, berry-like fruits.
Origin:
Tricalysia griseiflora var. benguellensis is native to Angola, specifically the Benguela and Namibe provinces in the southwestern part of the country. It grows in evergreen forests and thickets at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1500 meters above sea level.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as "mucanga" in Angola, which means "gray" in the Bantu language. It is also sometimes referred to as gray-flowered tricalysia.
Uses:
The bark of Tricalysia griseiflora var. benguellensis is used in traditional medicine in Angola to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and stomach problems. The plant also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. In addition, the fruits are edible and can be used to make jams and preserves.
Overall, Tricalysia griseiflora var. benguellensis is a useful and attractive plant that has both medicinal and culinary value. Its bushy, woody stems and clusters of white flowers make it an interesting addition to gardens and landscapes.Light Requirements
Tricalysia griseiflora K.Schum. var. benguellensis requires moderate to bright indirect light for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
It thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It does not tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. It should be a rich, organic mixture with good aeration and moisture retention properties.
It is essential to avoid waterlogged soils as this may cause root rot and affect the plant's growth negatively.
Cultivation Methods
Tricalysia griseiflora K.Schum. var. benguellensis (Welw. ex Hiern) Robbr. is a tropical plant that grows well in warm and humid environments. It can tolerate partial shade and requires well-draining soil to thrive.
Propagation is by seeds or stem cuttings, which should be planted in a mixture of sand and peat. The plant needs to be kept at temperatures above 60°F (15°C) or warmer all year round, and should be protected from frost.
Watering Needs
Tricalysia griseiflora K.Schum. var. benguellensis (Welw. ex Hiern) Robbr. needs regular watering to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering.
Water the plant carefully, ensuring that you do not get water on its leaves. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot and other issues.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, Tricalysia griseiflora K.Schum. var. benguellensis (Welw. ex Hiern) Robbr. should be fertilized regularly. Use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, such as a 10-10-10 formula.
Avoid using fertilizer in the winter months when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilization can cause damage to the roots and foliage, so use fertilizer sparingly.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep Tricalysia griseiflora K.Schum. var. benguellensis (Welw. ex Hiern) Robbr. in good health. Trim off any dead or damaged branches using a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears.
You can also prune the plant to shape it and encourage bushier growth. Prune in the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation of Tricalysia griseiflora K.Schum. var. benguellensis (Welw. ex Hiern) Robbr.
Tricalysia griseiflora K.Schum. var. benguellensis (Welw. ex Hiern) Robbr., commonly known as the Benguela three-stamen coffee, is an important medicinal and economic plant native to Africa. It is propagated through two main methods:
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is the most common method used for propagating Tricalysia griseiflora. This method is done by taking stem cuttings from the parent plant. The cuttings are usually between 5 to 15 cm long and should be taken from healthy and disease-free parts of the plant. The cuttings are then prepared by removing all the leaves except the tip leaves and dipping the cut end in a rooting hormone such as indolebutyric acid (IBA). The cuttings are then planted in a rooting medium, usually sand, and kept in a warm, moist, and shaded area until they develop roots. After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots or directly to the field.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is another method of propagating Tricalysia griseiflora. It is preferred for mass propagation or to establish large plantations. The seeds are collected from the parent plant when they are fully matured, and the fruit turns yellow. The fruit is then dried and pounded to extract the seeds. The seeds are then soaked in water for 24 hours, after which they are dried and treated with a fungicide. The treated seeds are then sown in nursery beds filled with a well-draining germination medium such as a mixture of sand and soil. The seeds will germinate after 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots or directly to the field.
Disease Management
Tricalysia griseiflora K.Schum. var. benguellensis (Welw. ex Hiern) Robbr. is susceptible to a range of diseases. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot are common in this plant. Powdery mildew is characterized by a white powdery growth on leaves, while leaf spot appears as small dark spots on the leaves. To manage these diseases, removing and destroying infected plant parts can be helpful. Regular pruning to improve air circulation and reduce humidity can also aid in disease prevention.
Bacterial diseases such as bacterial leaf spot and crown gall can also affect this plant. Bacterial leaf spot appears as small water-soaked spots that later turn brown and may cause leaf drop. Crown gall appears as rough, tumor-like growth on the plant roots or stem. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately, and the soil should be sterilized before planting again. Preventing injuries to the plant can also reduce the risk of bacterial infections.
Pest Management
Several pests can also affect Tricalysia griseiflora K.Schum. var. benguellensis (Welw. ex Hiern) Robbr. Caterpillars and thrips are common pests. Caterpillars can cause extensive damage by eating through leaves while thrips affect the plant's growth and development. Regular inspection and the physical removal of pests can help manage their infestation. Insecticides can also be used, but care should be taken to avoid harm to beneficial insects.
Spider mites can also be a problem, especially in dry conditions. They appear as tiny red or brown spots on the leaves and can cause leaf drop. Horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can be used to control spider mites. Ants can also indirectly harm the plant by protecting and tending to aphids, which excrete honeydew that attracts other pests. Keeping the plant free from aphids can help manage this pest problem.
