Description of Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis
Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis (Cavaco) N.Hallé is an evergreen shrub member of the Rubiaceae family. It is commonly known as "São Tomé coffee" or "Santomean coffee".
Origin
The plant is native to the island of São Tomé, located in the Gulf of Guinea off the western coast of Central Africa. It also grows in other Central African countries such as Cameroon and Gabon.
Appearance
Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis usually grows up to 4 meters tall with a smooth, pale grey bark. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped, growing up to 12 cm long and 6 cm wide. The flowers are small and white, growing in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit is a small, red berry, ripening in the months of June to August.
Uses
The plant is commonly used for its coffee beans. São Toméan coffee is known for its high quality and distinctive flavor. The locals also use the plant for medicinal purposes. The leaves and roots are used to treat headaches, stomach pain, and fever.
Light Requirements
The Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis plant typically grows best in partial shade or dappled sunlight. It can also tolerate full sun, but only in areas with high humidity or during cooler seasons. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching and stunted growth, while too much shade can limit flowering and fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm and humid conditions, with an average temperature range of 20 to 28 degrees Celsius (68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). It can tolerate higher temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), but only if accompanied by adequate moisture. It does not tolerate frost or extreme temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
The Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis plant requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (between 5.5 and 7.0). It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The addition of organic matter such as compost or manure can improve soil fertility and structure, thereby promoting healthy growth.
Overall, the Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis plant thrives in warm and humid conditions with adequate shade and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Proper care in these areas can lead to lush foliage, vibrant flowers, and bountiful fruiting.
Cultivation Methods for Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis (Cavaco) N.Hallé
Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis (Cavaco) N.Hallé plants grow best in a warm and humid environment. They require well-draining soil, with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. It is recommended to plant them in a shaded area with filtered sunlight or indirect light.
The plant should be propagated during the spring season using stem cuttings. Place the cuttings in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The propagation process may take 2-3 weeks.
During their growth period, Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis (Cavaco) N.Hallé plants require consistent care, including regular watering and fertilization.
Watering Needs of Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis (Cavaco) N.Hallé
The plant needs to be watered moderately, 1-2 times per week. Ensure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to plant death. During periods of heat or drought, the plant may require more frequent watering to stay hydrated.
Fertilization of Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis (Cavaco) N.Hallé
The plant requires regular feeding with balanced fertilizers, rich in nitrogen and phosphorous. Fertilizers should be applied during the growing season, every 1-2 months. However, be cautious about overfertilization, as too much intake can cause salt buildup and burn the plant's roots.
Pruning of Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis (Cavaco) N.Hallé
Regular pruning encourages healthy growth and maintains the desired shape of the plant. Pruning is best done during spring or early summer, as the plant enters its growth phase. Remove any dead or damaged leaves, branches, or stems. Additionally, trim any leggy or overgrown branches to prevent them from becoming an obstacle to the plant's growth.
It is important to wear gloves during the pruning process as the plant contains toxins that can cause skin irritation.
Propagation of Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis (Cavaco) N.Hallé
Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis (Cavaco) N.Hallé can be propagated by both seed and cuttings method. However, seed sowing is the most common method used in propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis (Cavaco) N.Hallé are quite small, and germination can be slow and erratic. The seeds need to be collected when they are ripe and sown immediately. It is best to sow seeds in germination trays or small pots filled with a well-drained soil mix. The seeds should be sown shallowly, just below the soil surface, and kept lightly moist until they germinate in about 4-6 weeks. The seedlings should be grown under shade for the first few months.
Cutting Propagation
It is also possible to propagate Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis (Cavaco) N.Hallé by stem cuttings, but this method is less common. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long, and the leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed. The cuttings are then treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a pot filled with a moist soil mix. The pots should be covered with plastic bags or kept under high humidity to maintain moisture. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia Pallens Hiern var. Dundensis (Cavaco) N. Hallé
Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis is a tropical plant that is vulnerable to several kinds of diseases and pests that can adversely affect its growth and yield.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot disease, caused by a fungal infection, is one of the most common diseases affecting Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis. The symptoms of the disease include small brown or yellow spots on leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy the affected leaves, reduce humidity levels in the growing environment, and use a fungicide to control the spread of infection.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis, causing white powdery growth on leaves, stems, and flowers. This disease thrives in humid conditions and can be managed by providing adequate ventilation in the growing area to reduce humidity levels. Also, the application of a fungicide can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are common pests that can infect Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis, causing leaves to turn yellow and curl, stunting plant growth, and reducing yield. To control aphids, it is advisable to use insecticidal soap or apply neem oil to the affected plants. Alternatively, ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators that can help control aphid populations.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves of Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. dundensis. The infested leaves may turn yellow or brown and appear speckled. This pest thrives in hot and dry conditions, so a humid environment can help control its population. Applying a miticide to the affected plants can also help control spider mite infestations.
To maintain a healthy and thriving plantation, it is crucial to identify and manage diseases and pests promptly. By doing so, farmers can avoid significant damage to their crops and maintain a higher yield.
