Overview
Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. is a plant species that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to Kenya and Tanzania, East Africa. The genus name "Tricalysia" refers to the three-parted calyx (the outer covering of the flowering part of the plant) that is characteristic of the species in this genus.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Mpapa" in Swahili, a local language spoken in East Africa.
Appearance
The Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. plant typically grows up to 5 meters high and has a diameter of up to 10 cm. It has a straggly appearance with a thin trunk that is often crooked or twisted. The bark of the tree is dark brown or gray and rough, with some shallow fissures. The plant has a dense foliage that includes leaves that are opposite, 20-30cm long, oval-shaped and have a pointed tip. The leaves have a shiny texture on the surface, dark green color, and are hairless.
Uses
The plant extracts are used in traditional medicine for various medicinal purposes. The roots and stem bark are used to treat intestinal worms, malaria, and other diseases. The leaves of Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch are used as a remedy for stomach aches, diarrhea, and dysentery. Additionally, the plant is used in the production of soap and as a natural dye for textiles and baskets.
The wood of the Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch tree is hard and durable, and is used for building houses, wooden bowls, spoons and other household items. Locals also use the plant for fuel because it burns readily, and charcoal is produced from its wood.
Light requirements
Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. requires moderate to high levels of light to grow properly. It thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. The plant can grow in full shade as well, but it may lead to weak stems and leaves.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C and is sensitive to cold temperatures below 15°C. It cannot tolerate frost or freezing conditions and must be protected from extreme weather conditions.
Soil requirements
Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic pH range between 5.5 and 6.5 are ideal for the plant. The soil must retain moisture, but not be too wet, as excess moisture can cause root rot and other diseases. In case the soil is heavy, adding sand or perlite can improve the soil's drainage.
Cultivation Methods of Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch.
Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch., commonly known as "Kikuyu Coffee," is a shade-loving plant that thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 4.5-5.5. It grows best under the shade of taller trees and can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
When planting the seedlings, make sure that they are aligned at a distance of 30cm from each other, and the depth should correspond to the size of the seedling container. Cover the soil with a thin layer of mulch, such as straw or grass cuttings, to retain moisture and regulate the soil temperature.
Watering Needs of Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch.
Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. requires frequent watering especially in the first few months of growing to help establish a healthy root system. Water the plant every two to three days depending on weather conditions, soil type, and drainage. Ensure that the soil is sufficiently moist but not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch.
Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. benefits from regular applications of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, which improves soil fertility and structure. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers, such as ammonium sulfate or urea, can also be applied during the growing season to enhance growth and yield. Applying a balanced NPK fertilizer, such as 10:10:10, every three months, can also help maintain plant health.
Pruning of Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch.
Pruning is essential in controlling the shape of Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. and can be done after harvest or during the dormant season. Remove any dead, diseased or crossing branches, and maintain the plant at a manageable size by removing the excess growth. Prune to the framework of the plant while still leaving some leaves on the stems to encourage proper tree branching.
Propagation of Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch.
Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. can be propagated by various methods including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and tissue culture.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. can be sown directly in the soil or in seed trays. Before sowing seeds, one should remove the pulp around the seed by gently washing the seed in water. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mixture. Germination of seeds may take two to three weeks, depending on the soil temperature and other factors. Once the seedlings reach a certain size, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cutting propagation
Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the growing stage, and they should be around 6-8 inches in length with multiple nodes. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil, and keep it moist. The cutting must be kept under shade until it establishes roots. It takes about 4-6 weeks for the cutting to develop roots. Once the roots have developed, transplant the cutting to its permanent location.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is another method used to produce Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. plantlets. In this method, the plant is grown in a sterile environment. Tissue samples such as leaf, stem, or root are used to start the process. The cells from the tissue sample are grown in a sterile medium with hormones and nutrients. The cells form callus tissue and then develop into a plantlet. After the plant has grown to a certain size, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch.
Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. (Rubiaceae) is a plant native to tropical Africa that is mostly found in the Eastern Arc mountains and the Uluguru Mountains. It is adorned with attractive green leaves and small flowers. Pests and diseases can cause significant harm to this plant, but there are several methods available to manage these problems.
Common Diseases
Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. is susceptible to various diseases. Leaf spot and powdery mildew are two of the most common diseases that can affect this plant. Leaf spots may seem to be a generic designation for any disease that affects the leaves, but it primarily refers to a fungal infection that creates necrosis spots, which are black or brown in color and generally irregular in shape. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that manifests on the leaves as a white powder-like substance, initially on the upper surface, but later spreading to the lower surface as well. It is severe during the dry months and is caused by poor air circulation, high humidity, and excessive watering.
Pest Management
One significant pest that attacks Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. is the Red Spider Mite. This insect is widespread and is not limited to Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch. alone. It usually chooses the plant's undersides, where it sucks the sap out of the plant, creating a fine web-like structure where it resides. Spider mites can have a significant impact on their host, causing leaf yellowing, wilting, and defoliation. The affected leaves usually have a yellow, speckled look, which is typical with this particular pest. Regular monitoring of the plant is necessary to detect the presence of spider mites on time. If evidence of infestation is present, spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap can be useful in controlling the insects.
Disease Management
If any disease is detected on the Tricalysia pleiomera Hutch., it should be dealt with immediately to prevent it from spreading. When it comes to fungi-related diseases, preventative methods are more appropriate than curative ones. Removing the affected leaves is the first step in controlling leaf spot. In cases where the disease has progressed beyond control, applying a copper-based fungicide can be useful. Powdery mildew, on the other hand, can be controlled through thorough pruning and removal of the affected leaves. If the problem persists, applying a fungicide with potassium bicarbonate can be useful.
To avoid diseases and pests, it is critical to practice good gardening hygiene. Regularly clean the plant by removing fallen leaves and debris around the plant. Water the plant just enough not to leave it soggy or overwatered. Check the plant for pests and diseases regularly, and if caught in time, it's easier to control and manage any resulting problems.
