Overview
Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii (S.Moore) Brenan is a plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is commonly found in tropical regions of Western Africa.General Appearance
Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii is a small to medium-sized tree that generally grows up to a height of 6m tall. It generally has a grey-brown bark and the leaves, which are simple and opposite in arrangement, are oval-shaped with a distinct reticulate venation. The fruits are subglobose in shape and are dark brown in color.Common Names
Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii is commonly known by its local names; "Mfumbi" in the Congo, and "Kola tree" in Nigeria, Ghana and other parts of Africa.Uses
The bark and leaves of tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii have been used in traditional medicine by the locals for treating various ailments including stomach disorders and malaria. The bark is also used to make ropes and fiber for weaving baskets. The fruit of the tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii is edible, and is often eaten raw or processed into drinks or snacks. In some regions, the tree is also cultivated as an ornamental tree due to its attractive foliage. In conclusion, Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii is a versatile plant that has significant importance among the local communities in Africa, both for medicinal and economic purposes.Light Requirements:
Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii requires a moderate level of light to thrive. It grows best in partially shaded areas where it can receive some direct sunlight in the morning or evening. Direct sunlight for extended periods can damage the leaves and cause them to wilt.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and prefers a warm climate. A temperature range of 20-30°C (68-86°F) is ideal for the growth of Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii. It does not tolerate cold temperatures, and exposure to freezing temperatures can be fatal to the plant.
Soil Requirements:
Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must not be waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Water Requirements:
Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not excessively wet or dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases, while under-watering can cause the leaves to wither. The plant benefits from occasional misting, particularly during dry weather or in low-humidity environments.
Cultivation
Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii (S.Moore) Brenan, also known as the Taylor's coffee plant, is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 2 meters tall. It is native to Central and East Africa and is usually found in the understory of tropical rainforests.
For cultivation, it is best suited for warm and humid environments with temperatures between 18-25°C. The plant requires plenty of light but needs protection from direct sunlight. A shaded location with diffused sunlight is ideal for this plant.
It is important to plant the Taylor's coffee plant in well-draining, rich soil to ensure healthy growth. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is an excellent soil choice.
Watering Needs
The Taylor's coffee plant requires frequent watering to maintain its growth and appearance. It prefers moist soil with moderate to high humidity levels.
The plant is susceptible to root rot when the soil is too wet, so it is crucial to strike a balance between not enough and too much water. Watering should be done sparingly during the cold season.
Fertilization
To stimulate healthy growth, it is advisable to fertilize the Taylor's coffee plant regularly. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended.
During the growing season (spring to summer), apply the fertilizer every two weeks, while during the cold season, the plant can be fertilized once a month. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant to avoid causing damage to its delicate root system.
Pruning
Pruning is vital to maintain the shape, size, and appearance of the Taylor's coffee plant. To encourage denser foliage, remove the dead and weak branches during the growing season.
Heavy pruning should not be done during the cold season. Instead, wait until the spring or summer to prune; this will stimulate the growth of new shoots.
It is also advisable to remove yellow leaves to promote healthy growth and prevent pest and disease infestation.
Propagation of Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii (S.Moore) Brenan
Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii (S.Moore) Brenan can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature and healthy Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii (S.Moore) Brenan plants. They need to be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours prior to sowing. Sowed seeds should be kept in a warm and humid environment to promote germination. A well-draining seedling mix should be used as a substrate and seeds should not be buried too deep, as they require light to germinate.
Cuttings Propagation
Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii (S.Moore) Brenan can also be propagated through green stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the semi-hardwood stem and should be approximately 10-15cm in length. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in a rooting hormone powder. Insert the cutting into well-draining potting mix and place it in a shaded area. Keep the mix moist and provide regular misting to promote root development.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering can also be used to propagate Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii (S.Moore) Brenan plants. This method involves making a cut on a healthy stem and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss. A plastic wrap should be used to seal the moss and stem, creating a humid environment. Roots will develop at the cut area and, once developed, can be snipped from the parent plant and potted in a well-draining mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii
Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii (S.Moore) Brenan, commonly known as African coffee, is a plant species that is highly valued for its medicinal properties. However, just like any other plant species, this plant is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests that can cause significant damage if not attended to on time. In this article, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that affect this plant and the various ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Coffee leaf rust: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to develop rust-colored spots. The disease can lead to defoliation, which can significantly reduce the yield of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to prune any infected leaves and apply fungicides.
Bacterial wilt: This is a disease caused by bacteria that infect the vascular system of the plant, which can lead to the wilting and eventual death of the plant. There is no known cure for bacterial wilt, so it is important to prevent the disease from occurring by using disease-free planting material, practicing good soil management, and proper sanitation.
Coffee berry disease: This is a fungal disease that affects the berries of the plant, causing them to turn brown and fall off prematurely. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected berries and spray the plant with fungicides.
Common Pests
Coffee berry borer: This is a beetle that bores into the berries of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage this pest, it is important to prune infected branches, destroy any infected berries, and use traps or insecticides.
Coffee mealybugs: These are insects that feed on the plant sap, which can lead to stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage this pest, it is important to prune and dispose of infected plant parts, use insecticides, and practice good sanitation.
Coffee white stem borer: This is a beetle that bores into the stem of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage this pest, it is important to prune infected branches, use traps or insecticides, and practice good sanitation.
By practicing good disease and pest management techniques for Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. taylorii, farmers can ensure that the plant remains healthy and productive while minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.
