Description of Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum.
Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. is a plant that belongs to the family Rubiaceae, and it is native to tropical Africa. It is commonly known as "green coffee" or "wild coffee" due to its similarity to the coffee plant in appearance, however, it does not produce coffee beans useable for commercial purposes. This plant is often used for its medicinal properties and is a popular ingredient in traditional African medicine.
General Appearance
Tricalysia macrophylla is a shrub or small tree that can reach a height of up to 8 meters. The leaves are large, leathery, and oval-shaped, measuring up to 30 cm long and 20 cm wide. The flowers are white and form clusters at the end of its branches, which can be seen from a distance. The fruit is a small green berry, which is not edible and contains up to four seeds.
Uses
The root bark and leaves of Tricalysia macrophylla contain alkaloids, which are believed to have many health benefits. It is used to treat various ailments such as malaria, fever, diarrhea, and pain relief. The roots are also used in traditional African medicine for treating infertility, menstrual disorders, and as an aphrodisiac. Tricalysia macrophylla is also used for environmental purposes, as it can help with soil conservation and land restoration.
Overall, Tricalysia macrophylla is a valuable plant in terms of its medicinal and environmental uses. It has been used for centuries in African traditional medicine to treat various ailments, and its potential to treat modern medical conditions is currently being researched.
Light requirements
Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. thrives in warm and humid environments with moderate to high light levels. As a tropical plant, it requires abundant sunlight to promote photosynthesis and maintain its growth. Grown indoors, the plant must be placed in a well-lit location, such as a south-facing window or under artificial lighting.
Temperature requirements
The Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C and high humidity levels. The minimum temperature it can tolerate is around 15°C, and temperatures below this range can lead to stunted growth or even death. It is essential to keep the plant away from draughts or cold air, as they can damage the leaves or lead to disease.
Soil requirements
The Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. A mix of organic matter, such as peat moss or compost, and sand or perlite, can provide the ideal soil conditions. The pH levels of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5, which is slightly acidic. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil, so it is crucial to ensure that there is adequate drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. This tropical plant thrives in warm temperatures, and so it is best to keep it in a location with a temperature range of 18-24°C. Choose a spot with indirect sunlight as direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant.
The plant can grow up to 6ft in height, so it's important to provide enough space for it to grow. You can plant it in a pot or in a garden bed with well-draining soil. Ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter and has a pH between 5.5-6.5.
Watering Needs
Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. requires consistent watering to thrive. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. The plant does not like to sit in water, so ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering, as the plant's growth rate is slower during this period.
Fertilization
You can fertilize Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. twice a month during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should have equal amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which will promote root development, flowering, and overall plant health. Do not fertilize during the winter months as the plant's growth rate slows down during this period.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to ensure that Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. remains healthy and attractive. You can prune the plant during the growing season (spring and summer) to shape it and remove any dead or damaged leaves. Use a sharp and clean pair of pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum.
Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum., commonly known as the 'coffee tree', can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common way of propagating the Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. is through seeds. It is recommended to obtain fresh seeds from a mature plant as the viability of the seeds diminishes over time. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix, covered lightly with soil, and kept moist. The germination process can take up to four weeks, and the seedlings should be kept in a shaded area until they are strong enough to be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation through Cuttings
Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from a mature plant and should be around eight to ten inches long. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the stem should be dipped into rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist, and it should take around six weeks for rooting to occur.
Propagation through Layering
Layering is another propagation method that involves taking a lower stem of a mature plant and bending it towards the ground. The stem should be covered with soil, and roots should start to form after a few weeks. Once the roots have developed, the stem can be cut and transplanted into individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum.
Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum., commonly known as the coffee cherry tree, is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can reduce the plant's productivity and fruit quality. To ensure a healthy crop, it's essential to implement effective disease and pest management strategies.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. is coffee leaf rust. The fungus causes yellow-orange spots on the leaves, resulting in defoliation and reduced photosynthesis. To manage this disease, prune and collect fallen leaves and branches to reduce the pathogen's spread. Additionally, applying fungicides such as triazole and strobilurin can minimize rust incidence and spread.
Brown eye spot is another common fungal disease affecting the coffee plant. The fungus causes brown spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation and fruit drop. To manage this disease, farmers should undertake regular field sanitation, including collecting fallen leaves and dead branches. Applying systemic fungicides containing copper or sulfur can also be helpful in managing brown eye spot.
Common Pests
The coffee berry borer is the most damaging pest affecting Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. It's a small beetle that bores holes in the berries, reducing the fruit quality and yield. To manage this pest, use sticky traps to collect and reduce the population. Additionally, applying nematodes and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be effective in managing coffee berry borer infestation.
The coffee white stem borer is another pest that can cause significant damage to the coffee plant. The larvae bore into the coffee plant's stem, leading to wilting and death. To manage this pest, cultural practices such as pruning and applying fertilizer can promote plant vigor and reduce infestation. Additionally, applying plant-based extracts such as neem oil and tobacco can help in controlling the population of coffee white stem borer.
Conclusion
Effective disease and pest management is essential for the successful cultivation of Tricalysia macrophylla K.Schum. Regular monitoring of the plants, pruning, and maintaining field sanitation can reduce the incidence and spread of diseases and pests. Additionally, using pesticides and fungicides can be helpful in managing infestation and minimizing crop damage.
