Tricalysia Reflexa Hutch. Var. Ivorensis Robbr.

Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr.

Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr., also known as the Ivory Coast Tricalysia, is a tropical plant species from the Rubiaceae family. The plant is native to the Ivory Coast in West Africa.

Common Names

Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. is commonly referred to as "Akpi" or "Djansang" in West and Central Africa. It is also known as "Njansang" or "Eru" in Cameroon.

Uses

The seeds of Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. are used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. The seeds are said to have numerous health benefits such as relieving constipation, reducing inflammation and treating skin infections. In Cameroon, the seeds are also believed to help enhance fertility in women. The seeds are also used as a spice in cooking native dishes.

General Appearance

Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. is a small tree that grows up to 20 meters high. The bark of the tree is rough and brown. The leaves are dark green and glossy, arranged opposite to one another on the stem. The plant produces yellow flowers that bloom between July and September. The fruits are large, brown and round, containing approximately 10-15 seeds.

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Light Requirements

Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. prefers to grow in areas with filtered to partial sunlight. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight, as this could lead to leaf burning and dehydration. However, the plant needs sufficient light to undergo photosynthesis, which is essential for its growth and development.

Temperature Requirements

The plant grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C. Temperatures below 10°C and above 35°C are not suitable for its growth and development. The ideal temperature range provides optimal conditions for the plant's metabolism, including photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. During the winter season, it is important to protect the plant from cold drafts and frost to maintain appropriate temperatures.

Soil Requirements

Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. The pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5, which is mildly acidic to slightly acidic. The plant requires adequate soil moisture for proper growth and development. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Soil quality is crucial for the plant's ability to uptake necessary nutrients and minerals which can affect its overall growth and development.

Cultivation Methods

The Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. is a tropical plant that requires a warm and moist environment to thrive. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings and needs well-draining, slightly acidic soil. The plant prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun in the morning and late afternoon.

Watering Needs

The Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant's growth slows down.

Fertilization

Fertilize the Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. You can reduce the frequency during the winter months when the plant's growth slows down.

Pruning

Prune the Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. to promote a bushier growth pattern. Trim back any dead or diseased branches. You can also prune the plant to control its size and shape.

Propagation of Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr.

Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. is usually propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering. Each method requires specific techniques and environmental conditions for successful propagation.

Seed propagation

Seeds of Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. are relatively easy to collect and germinate. Once the fruit is ripe, seeds can be collected, cleaned, and stored in a dry place. Fresh seeds germinate more readily than older ones, and they should be sown as soon as possible. Seeds should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours before sowing to enhance germination. A soil mix with good drainage and moisture retention should be used, and the seeds should be sown at a shallow depth. The seedlings should be kept moist and shaded until they are established, which usually takes several weeks.

Stem cutting propagation

Stem cuttings are another way to propagate Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. This method is particularly useful for propagating desired cultivars. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and well-developed stems, preferably from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and ideally have at least three nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being inserted into a well-draining soil mix. Cuttings should be kept moist and humid, and they should be shielded from direct sunlight until roots have formed, which usually takes a few weeks.

Air layering propagation

Air layering is a propagation method that involves creating a rooting site on a stem that is still attached to a plant. This method is not very commonly used for Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr., but it can be successful under the right conditions. A section of stem is wounded and wrapped in a moist medium, such as sphagnum moss or peat moss, and covered with plastic wrap. The rooting site should be kept moist and humid, and the plastic wrap should be removed once roots have formed. After roots have emerged, the rooted section of stem can be cut from the parent plant and potted in a well-draining soil mix.

Disease Management

Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. is susceptible to a variety of diseases that can significantly decrease crop yield and quality. Several measures can be taken to manage these diseases and minimize their impact on the plant.

Leaf Spot: This disease usually appears as small, brown spots on the leaves, which can later combine into large yellow patches, leading to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, apply a copper-based fungicide every two weeks and remove infected leaves as soon as possible.

Anthracnose: A fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to rot. It is characterized by brown, circular spots on the leaves, which can later merge, covering the majority of the leaf. The best approach to manage anthracnose is to keep the area clean and remove infected plant debris.

Root Rot: This is a common soil-borne disease that affects many plants, especially those growing in poor-quality or waterlogged soil. It can cause wilting, stunting, and death of the plant. To avoid root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged, do not overwater, and use planting material that is free from disease.

Pest Management

Several pests can harm Tricalysia reflexa Hutch. var. ivorensis Robbr. and cause significant damage. Although some can be beneficial, most pests reduce the quantity and quality of the yield. Here are some management practices for common pests:

Whiteflies: These suck sap from the leaves of the plant, leading to leaf wilting, yellowing, and sometimes, defoliation. There are several ways to manage whiteflies, including releasing beneficial insects, such as lacewings and ladybugs, using insecticidal soap, and reducing the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied.

Thrips: These pests feed on the plant sap and cause distorted leaves, reduced growth, and deformed fruit. To manage thrips, use yellow or blue sticky traps to capture them, maintain adequate weeds, and avoid excessive fertilizer applications.

Caterpillars: Caterpillars, such as armyworms and cutworms, can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves, tunneling into the fruit, and causing physical damage. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide spray, which is effective against caterpillars, release beneficial insects, and handpicking to manage these pests.