Overview
Tricalysia paroissei Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a plant belonging to the coffee family, Rubiaceae. It is also known as Petit caféier or Petit café in French and is native to Central Africa.
Description
The plant typically grows to be about 1-2 meters tall and has smooth, dark green leaves. It produces small, white flowers that are less than a centimeter in diameter. The fruits are reddish in colour and contain one seed each.
Uses
Traditionally, Tricalysia paroissei has been used for medicinal purposes in Central Africa. The roots and bark of the plant are brewed into a tea to treat various ailments such as fever, headaches, and stomach pains. The leaves and bark have also been used as a natural insect repellent.
Additionally, the plant has potential economic value as a coffee substitute. The seeds have a slightly bitter taste and can be roasted and ground to make a coffee-like beverage.
Cultivation
Tricalysia paroissei is primarily grown in Central Africa and can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo. It prefers humid, tropical climates and can be grown in both shade and full sun. The plant is relatively easy to cultivate and does not require extensive care or maintenance.
Growth Conditions for Tricalysia paroissei Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Tricalysia paroissei Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a tropical plant species that has unique growth requirements to thrive. The plant is native to central Africa, where it is found in the undergrowth of mountain forests. Here are the key growth conditions for Tricalysia paroissei:
Light
Tricalysia paroissei prefers to grow in the partial sunlight, which makes it suitable to grow in the presence of large trees. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant leaves causing them to wilt. Therefore, it's important to create shade to reduce the amount of direct sunlight on the leaves.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for the growth of Tricalysia paroissei is between 20°C and 25°C. The temperature should not exceed 28°C. The plant is sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and cold temperature can cause stunted growth or damage to the leaves. Thus, it is important to provide a stable temperature for the plant to flourish.
Soil Requirements
Tricalysia paroissei prefers to grow in well-draining soils. The soil should be moist, and the plant requires regular watering. However, waterlogging can damage the plant's roots, and as such, good drainage is necessary. In addition, the plant likes slightly acidic soils with pH 6.5 to pH 7.5.
In summary, Tricalysia paroissei requires partial sunlight, stable temperatures between 20°C and 25°C, and well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Understanding and providing these growth conditions will create a favorable environment for the plant to grow and propagate.
Cultivation methods
Tricalysia paroissei Aubrév. & Pellegr., commonly known as Congo coffee, is a small understory tree native to Africa. It can grow up to 10 meters tall and is suitable for cultivation in humid, shaded environments.
When planting, you can use seeds or cuttings taken from young trees. The best planting method is to prepare a bed with organic-rich soil, allowing the tree roots to spread easily. It is recommended to plant in the rainy season as this can encourage proper growth and development.
Watering needs
Tricalysia paroissei Aubrév. & Pellegr. prefers humid conditions; hence, they require regular watering. In dry seasons or dry areas, it is advisable to water the trees every two or three days. Watering should be done in a way that does not cause soil erosion or disturb the tree's roots.
It is important to note that overwatering could be detrimental to the health of the tree. To avoid waterlogging, the soil should be well-drained, with proper aeration.
Fertilization
To keep the Tricalysia paroissei Aubrév. & Pellegr. healthy, regular fertilization helps add the necessary nutrients to the soil. The tree prefers nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Application of manure, bone meal, or other organic fertilizers can help maintain the right soil pH and further improve soil fertility. However, it is advisable to avoid excessive fertilizers that could damage the tree roots and lead to nutrient imbalances.
Pruning
Pruning helps to control the size and shape of the tree while promoting the growth of new shoots. Dead or damaged branches should be removed regularly to avoid further damage to the plant.
Regular pruning sessions allow the tree to develop a strong and robust structure with a sturdy framework. The best time to prune is during the dry, non-rainy season to minimize tree wounds' exposure to moisture and reduce the risks of infection.
Propagation of Tricalysia paroissei Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Tricalysia paroissei is a beautiful tropical plant that can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation methods
Propagation by seeds: Tricalysia paroissei seeds are small, black, and shiny. The seeds should be collected from the ripe fruit of the plant. The collected seeds must be cleaned and air-dried for a couple of days before sowing. Once dried, the seeds can be sown in a pot or tray using light and well-draining soil. The pot or tray should be placed in a warm and moist environment. The seeds should germinate in about 3 to 4 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a reasonable size, they can be transplanted to bigger pots or planted outdoors.
Propagation by stem cuttings: Tricalysia paroissei can be propagated by stem cuttings taken from an established plant. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 15 cm long, with at least two leaves. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be placed in a warm and moist environment. The cutting should take root in about 3 to 4 weeks. Once the cutting has established roots, it can be transplanted to a bigger pot or planted outdoors.
Disease Management
Tricalysia paroissei Aubrév. & Pellegr. is relatively resistant to diseases, but some of the common diseases that can affect the plant are:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal infection that causes circular or angular spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove and destroy the infected leaves, improve air flow around the plant, and avoid overhead watering.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the stems, leaves, and fruits of plants. It causes sunken lesions with dark edges and can lead to defoliation. To manage anthracnose, prune and remove the infected parts, improve air flow around the plant, and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of plants and can lead to their death. It usually occurs when the soil is waterlogged or poorly drained. To manage root rot, it is important to improve the drainage system, avoid overwatering, and remove and destroy the infected plants.
Pest Management
Tricalysia paroissei Aubrév. & Pellegr. is also relatively resistant to pests, but some of the common pests that can affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, prune and remove the heavily infested parts, and use reflective mulch to deter them.
- Spider mites: These are tiny mites that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing yellow or bronze discoloration. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, improve air flow around the plant, and use reflective mulch to deter them.
- Mealybugs: These are small, white insects covered in a waxy substance that feeds on the plant's sap. They cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, prune and remove the heavily infested parts, and encourage the natural predators of mealybugs like ladybugs and lacewings.
