Tricalysia Micrantha Hiern

Overview of Tricalysia micrantha Hiern

Tricalysia micrantha Hiern is a tropical plant species belonging to the family Rubiaceae. This plant is widely grown in various countries in Africa, including Cameroon, Congo, Angola, and Nigeria. It has several common names, including Koyama and Oke-Onigbin in Nigeria, and Mwesozi in Swahili.

Appearance of Tricalysia micrantha Hiern

The plant Tricalysia micrantha Hiern is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to five meters tall. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and thin, while the flowers are delicate and small, with a pale yellow or white appearance. The fruits are bright red berries that are about 1 cm in diameter. The plant has a distinctive pleasant smell that is similar to vanilla.

Uses of Tricalysia micrantha Hiern

The plant Tricalysia micrantha Hiern has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. The roots, bark, and leaves of this plant have been used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and malaria. The berries of this plant have also been used to treat infections and stomach ulcers. Additionally, this plant is used as a spice in some countries, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana, where the leaves and fruits are used to flavor local dishes.

Recent studies have shown that Tricalysia micrantha Hiern has several pharmacological properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimalarial properties. These properties make it a potential source of new drugs for the treatment of various diseases.

Moreover, Tricalysia micrantha Hiern has ornamental value and is grown as an indoor plant in some countries due to its attractive appearance and sweet fragrance. It also plays an essential role in the ecosystem as it provides habitat and food for pollinators and birds.

Light Conditions

Tricalysia micrantha Hiern thrives best in bright to moderate shade. It does not do well in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest time of the day. This plant needs sufficient but filtered light to grow and function properly.

Temperature Conditions

The plant Tricalysia micrantha Hiern is native to tropical regions and hence, prefers temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and can be damaged if left unprotected in cold environments. In ideal temperatures, the plant will grow and flower well.

Soil Requirements

The plant Tricalysia micrantha Hiern grows best in rich, organic, and well-drained soils. The soil pH should be neutral or slightly acidic, preferably around 5.5 to 6.5. It needs adequate moisture levels in the soil, but it cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil can improve the fertility and structure of the soil, creating an ideal environment for the plant's growth.

Cultivation of Tricalysia micrantha Hiern

Tricalysia micrantha Hiern, commonly known as coffee berry, is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height. It is a shade-tolerant plant that is endemic to East Africa.

The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including loam, sandy, and clay soils. It is recommended to plant the coffee berry in a shaded area, as direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant.

Watering needs of Tricalysia micrantha Hiern

The coffee berry plant requires regular watering to thrive. While it can tolerate moderate drought, it is best to keep the soil moist by watering it regularly. The plant should be watered deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil down to the root zone. This can be achieved by watering the plant slowly and deeply, rather than a quick and shallow watering.

Fertilization of Tricalysia micrantha Hiern

The coffee berry plant requires regular fertilization to achieve optimal growth and production. A balanced organic fertilizer should be applied to the plant every 4-6 months. The fertilizer should be applied to the base of the plant, avoiding contact with the foliage and stems.

Additionally, a layer of organic mulch should be applied around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.

Pruning of Tricalysia micrantha Hiern

Pruning of the coffee berry plant is essential to maintain its shape and size. The plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. The pruning should be done selectively, removing any dead or damaged wood and thinning out the plant to allow for better air circulation and light penetration.

It is recommended to prune the plant annually to keep it healthy and productive.

Propagation for Tricalysia micrantha Hiern

Tricalysia micrantha Hiern is a shrub that can be propagated through various methods. Here are some common ways to propagate the plant:

Seed Propagation

A popular method of propagating Tricalysia micrantha Hiern is through seeds. The plant produces small red berries that contain seeds. To propagate the plant via seed, follow these steps:

1. Collect seeds when the berries are ripe.
2. Clean the seeds and remove any fleshy materials that might attract insects.
3. Sow the seeds in seed trays with good quality seed-starting soil.
4. Water the seeds gently and keep the soil moist until germination.
5. Transplant the seedlings to bigger containers after they develop their second pair of leaves.

Cuttings Propagation

Using cuttings to propagate Tricalysia micrantha Hiern is another option. Here's how to propagate the shrub via cuttings:

1. Take cuttings in early spring or late summer from the new growth.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
3. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
4. Plant the cutting in a container with a well-draining soil.
5. Water the cutting and keep it in a shaded area until it develops roots.
6. Transplant the rooted cuttings to bigger containers or to an outdoor location once they've established roots.

Division Propagation

Tricalysia micrantha Hiern can also be propagated by dividing an existing plant. Here's what to do:

1. Dig up the parent plant during early spring or fall.
2. Separate the plant into sections, each with roots and stems.
3. Trim any dead or damaged roots and stems.
4. Replant each division in well-draining soil and water generously.
5. Keep the newly divided plants in a shaded area until they've established a healthy root system.
6. Transplant the plants to bigger containers or an outdoor location once they've shown steady growth.

Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia Micrantha Hiern Plant

Tricalysia micrantha Hiern, commonly known as the forest coffee plant, is a shrub species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Similar to other plants, T. micrantha is susceptible to diseases and pest infestations that can threaten the overall health of the plant. Hence, it is essential to take measures to manage disease and pest outbreaks for T. micrantha plants to grow healthy and produce a good yield.

Common Diseases

One of the most prevalent diseases that can affect T. micrantha is root rot. The primary cause of this disease is excessive watering or poor drainage. It leads to the decay of roots close to the soil's surface, causing yellowing of foliage, wilting, and eventual death. This disease can be managed by improving soil drainage and avoiding heavy watering.

Another common disease observed in T. micrantha is leaf spot caused by fungal infection. The fungal spores can spread through water and air and result in noticeable circular or angular spots on leaves. It can be managed by pruning of infected leaves and regular fungicidal treatment.

Common Pests

Tricalysia micrantha can be attacked by pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests feed on plant sap, leading to poor plant growth and eventual death. To manage aphids and whiteflies, the application of mild insecticidal soaps can be beneficial, as it can kill insects effectively. Spider mites can be eliminated by spraying infested plants with a fine jet of water or using insecticidal sprays.

Apart from these pests, Tricalysia micrantha can be vulnerable to the coffee berry borer, a pest that can cause damage to the plant's berries, leading to reduced yield. The first step in managing coffee berry borer is by removing infested coffee berries and disposing of it outside the farm. Moreover, regular monitoring of the plant can be helpful in detecting the pest early.

In conclusion, T. micrantha's disease and pest management are essential to prevent damage to the plant and ensure good yield. Several measures, such as improving soil drainage, regular pruning of infected leaves, and using insecticidal sprays, can be employed to manage the diseases and pests effectively.