Origin
Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé is a species of plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which is native to West-Central Africa.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Nyasoso in Cameroon, which means "red inside," referring to the color of the fruit. It is also referred to as Akekia in Gabon and Koka in Congo.
Uses
The bark and leaves of the Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé are used in traditional medicine for treating several ailments, including diabetes, fever, and malaria. The root bark is also used as a purgative. Additionally, the fruit pulp is edible and used for making juice and wine.
General Appearance
Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé is a small tree that can grow up to 15m tall. It has a smooth, greyish bark and dark green leaves that are elliptical in shape. The flowers are small and white, producing globular red fruits. The fruits are about 1cm in diameter and have a fleshy pulp that covers the seeds.
Light Requirements
The Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé plant requires full sunlight to partial shade to thrive. It grows in the understory of a tropical rainforest. The plant prefers to grow under the shade of larger trees, where it can get dappled sunlight.
Soil Requirements
The Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé plant prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It grows best in loamy or sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate low soil fertility and acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Temperature Requirements
The Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé plant requires warm temperatures to grow. It prefers a tropical or subtropical climate with an average temperature range of 22 °C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 18°C but not below 15°C as it may affect its growth rate.
Cultivation Methods
Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé is generally grown in tropical regions and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. The plant requires a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 5.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth. It thrives in well-drained and moist soil with good organic matter content.
Propagation can be achieved through seeds, stem cuttings, or layering. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination, which can take up to 6 weeks. Stem cuttings can be taken in the spring or early summer and rooted in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Layering involves bending a low branch to the ground and covering it with soil or compost, allowing it to root and then separating it from the parent plant.
Watering Needs
Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé requires regular and consistent watering. The plant prefers moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Watering should be decreased during the winter months, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Fertilization
Fertilization can help promote healthy growth and flowering of Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé. A slow-release fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio should be applied once a month during the growing season, which typically runs from spring to fall. Overfertilization should be avoided, as this can lead to burnt leaves and other issues.
Pruning
Regular pruning can help maintain the shape and size of Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé. Dead, damaged or diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed to prevent the spread of disease. Pruning can be done in the early spring or late winter, before new growth begins. Cutting back one-third of the plant's overall size is typically sufficient.
Propagation of Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé
Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé can be propagated through different methods such as seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cuttings.
Seed propagation
Seeds from mature fruits can be collected and sown in nursery beds. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. They should be sown in well-drained soils and watered regularly. Germination usually occurs within 6 to 8 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé can also be propagated through vegetative means. It can produce suckers or basal shoots that can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted. The shoots should be taken from healthy mother plants and planted in well-drained soils.
Cuttings
Stem cuttings from mature plants can also be taken and planted in nursery beds. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should have at least two nodes. The leaves should be removed from the bottom nodes and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone. They should be planted in well-drained soils and watered regularly until they establish.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé
Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé, commonly known as the coffee shrub of West Africa, is usually grown for its edible fruits and as an ornamental plant. However, the plant is prone to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage and reduce the plant's productivity. Let us look at the common diseases and pests of the plant and the ways to manage them.
Diseases
Bacterial Blight: This disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris can infect all parts of the plant, causing wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. The disease spreads through water, wind, and insects. Pruning and destroying infected plant parts can control the disease's spread.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes the leaves to drop prematurely, and fruits to rot, reducing the plant's yield. It can be managed by pruning infected parts, proper nutrient management, and applying fungicides.
Coffee Rust: This fungal disease caused by Hemileia vastatrix is common in coffee plants. It causes yellowing of leaves and defoliation, which can lower the plant's productivity. Planting resistant varieties, removing and destroying infected leaves and using fungicides can control the disease from spreading.
Pests
Coffee Berry Borer: This insect pest, Hypothenemus hampei, bores into the coffee berry, making it unsuitable for consumption. Regular field sanitation practices like pruning, destroying infected berries, and cleaning tools can minimize the infestation.
Antestia Bug: This insect pest, Antestiopsis spp, sucks sap from the coffee plant's seedlings, resulting in wilting and stunted growth. Biological control methods like introducing natural predators and parasites can manage the pest.
Leaf Miner: The larvae of the moth, Leucoptera meyricki, mines through the coffee leaves, causing defoliation and reducing the plant's productivity. Applying botanical extracts such as neem oil and insecticides can control the pest.
Hence, it is important to regularly monitor and manage the diseases and pests of Tricalysia soyauxii K.Schum. var. pedunculosa N.Hallé to prevent significant losses and improve the plant's productivity.
