Plant Description
Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a rare evergreen shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Guinea and Liberia in West Africa and is typically found in the forest understory of wet montane forests at an altitude of 800 to 1500 meters above sea level.
General Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 3 meters tall and has a rounded crown with a dense foliage of glossy, ovate leaves that measure up to 13 cm in length. The leaves are dark green and have a prominent midrib with numerous lateral veins. The plant produces small white flowers that are densely arranged in corymbs or terminal panicles. The flowers are followed by small, slightly fleshy fruits that contain one or two seeds.
Common Names
Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. is commonly known as Okelensis coffee or Okelensis ground berry. The name Okelensis is derived from the Oku Mountains in Cameroon, where the plant was first discovered.
Uses
The plant has various medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. It is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial properties. The leaves and stem bark are commonly used to treat fever, malaria, and respiratory infections. The plant is also used in the treatment of skin infections, diarrhea, and dysentery.
hereGrowth Conditions for Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a rare and endangered plant that requires specific growth conditions to survive and thrive. Here are some factors that influence its growth:
Light Requirements
Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. requires full sunlight to grow. It should be placed in an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in a warm tropical climate, with an ideal temperature range of 20 to 30°C. Growth can be severely impacted by extreme temperature changes, especially if the temperature drops below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. prefers a well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It requires a fertile, loamy soil with adequate organic matter to thrive. Soil that is too wet or too dry can result in growth problems. The addition of compost or aged manure can benefit the plant, promoting its growth and health.
Therefore, if you're planning to grow Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr., you need to ensure that it receives sufficient sunlight, warmth, and well-draining soil with proper pH levels and organic matter.
Cultivation methods for Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a type of plant that typically thrives in humid, tropical environments and can be grown either indoors or outdoors. If you plan to grow this plant indoors, it is essential to place it near a window where it can get a lot of direct sunlight. Outdoors, it is ideal to plant it in partial shade, as too much direct sunlight can damage the plant.
When planting, focus on providing this plant with sufficient space to grow. It should have enough room to expand its roots and deliver the necessary nutrients to the rest of the plant. You can use well-draining soil and potting mixtures, which helps with proper airflow and promotes healthy growth.
Watering needs
The Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. plant requires regular watering, but it is crucial not to overwater it. Overwatering can cause damage to the root system or lead to the development of root rot. Irrigation needs will depend on various factors like light, temperature, humidity, and the type of soil you're using. However, it's a good idea to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
You may use a well-draining potting mix and ensure not to let the plant sit too long in standing water. As a general rule of thumb, you may water the plant once or twice per week, depending on humidity levels.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to provide essential nutrients to the plant and encourage healthy growth. You can use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for houseplants every few months or during the active growing season. Overfertilization can cause damage to the plant, so it's essential to follow the instructions listed on the package carefully.
Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period, as the plant won't be actively growing, and the fertilizer will be a waste of resources.
Pruning
Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. does not require pruning, but it can help promote healthy growth. It's best to prune during the active growth phase and avoid taking off more than a third of the plant at any time as this can cause shock to the plant. Additionally, removing any dead or damaged foliage can help improve the plant's overall appearance and growth.
Propagation of Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr., commonly known as Okel Coffee, is a shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is a plant that is native to the African continent and is found in the tropical regions of Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. The plant is often grown for its ornamental value and for its use in traditional medicine. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common method of propagating Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. is through seeds. The seeds are obtained from the mature fruits of the plant. The fruits are collected when they are fully ripe and are manually or mechanically opened to extract the seeds. The seeds are then dried and stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready for planting.
Prior to sowing, the seeds are usually treated with a fungicide to prevent fungal infections. The seeds are then sown in a potting mix that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. The potting mix should be moist but not waterlogged. The seedlings usually germinate within two to four weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is another popular method of propagating Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. Stem cuttings are obtained by cutting a healthy stem from the parent plant. The cutting should ideally be around 10-15cm long and should have at least two to three nodes. The lower leaves of the cutting are then removed, and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone before it is planted in a potting mix.
The potting mix should be well-draining and nutrient-rich. The cutting should be planted in a hole made in the potting mix, and the soil should be well-compacted around the cutting. The cutting should be watered thoroughly and kept in a shaded spot till roots are formed. Root formation usually takes around four to six weeks. Once roots are formed, the cutting can be transplanted to a bigger pot or directly to the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia Okelensis Hiern var. Pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a member of the Rubiaceae family and is native to Central Africa. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth, yield, and overall health. Here are the common diseases and pests that affect Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. and ways to manage them.
Common diseases
1. Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, resulting in the formation of small, dark spots on the leaves. The spots can grow and merge to form larger patches, which can lead to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, ensure good sanitation practices and remove and destroy all infected plant materials from the garden. Fungicides can help control the spread of leaf spot.
2. Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by Phytophthora sp. that affects the roots of the plant, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of leaves. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and improve drainage in the garden. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides can be applied to healthy plants as a preventative measure.
3. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, resulting in the formation of a white powdery substance on the surface. To manage powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation around the plant and remove and destroy all infected plant materials. Additionally, apply fungicides as a preventive measure.
Common pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that usually feed on the sap of the plant, resulting in stunted growth and yellowed leaves. To manage aphids, use strong blasts of water to wash them off the plant, or apply insecticides containing imidacloprid or acetamiprid.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of leaves, causing leaves to become speckled and yellowed. They can be managed by spraying the plants with water, applying insecticidal soaps to the underside of leaves, or using insecticides containing abamectin or Acequinocyl.
3. Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on the foliage of the plant, resulting in distorted leaves and a reduction in plant growth. To manage thrips, use sticky traps to capture them, or apply insecticides containing spinosad, bifenthrin, or acetamiprid.
Regular inspection of the Tricalysia okelensis Hiern var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. plant for diseases and pests is essential to prevent significant damage to the plant, leaving it vulnerable to attack by other opportunistic problems. Prompt identification and proper management measures can help to minimize damage and maintain good plant productivity.
