Introduction
Tricalysia wernhamiana (Hutch. & Dalziel) Keay is a plant species belonging to the family Rubiaceae. It is native to West Africa and is known by different names in the region.Common Names
The common name of Tricalysia wernhamiana varies in different regions of West Africa. In Nigeria, it is called "Akatare" by the Yoruba tribe and "Ohum" by the Igbo tribe. In Ghana, it is known as "Bo-soa" by the Ashanti tribe and "Aduroba" by the Akan tribe.Uses
The plant is traditionally used in West African medicine to treat various ailments. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat infections, fever, and inflammation. It is also used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and fungal infections. In addition to its medicinal value, Tricalysia wernhamiana is used for culinary purposes. Its leaves are used to flavour soup and other dishes in West African cuisine.General Appearance
Tricalysia wernhamiana is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 6 metres tall. Its leaves are simple, opposite, and oval-shaped, with a glossy green colour and a smooth texture. The plant produces small, greenish-white flowers in clusters, which eventually give way to small, red, or black berries. The bark of the plant is dark brown and rough, with deep furrows and fissures. The inner bark is a bright yellow colour, and the wood is light and soft. In conclusion, Tricalysia wernhamiana is a valuable plant species in West African medicine and cuisine. Its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and culinary properties make it a versatile and important plant in the region.hereGrowth conditions of Tricalysia wernhamiana (Hutch. & Dalziel) Keay
Tricalysia wernhamiana (Hutch. & Dalziel) Keay is a tree species that grows in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. Understanding the growth conditions of this plant can help in its successful cultivation.
Light requirements
Tricalysia wernhamiana grows best in partial shade conditions. It requires sunlight to carry out photosynthesis, but direct sunlight can harm the plant. In its natural habitat, the plant grows under the canopy of tall trees that provide partial shade.
Temperature requirements
The plant thrives in warm and humid conditions. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 18°C and as high as 30°C. Temperatures below 18°C can stunt the growth of the plant, and temperatures above 30°C can cause stress to the plant, leading to leaf drop and slow growth.
Soil requirements
Tricalysia wernhamiana grows best in well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have adequate nutrient content. The plant prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. This species is commonly found in areas with loamy or sandy soils.
In conclusion, Tricalysia wernhamiana requires partial shade, warm and humid temperatures, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and pH range of 5.0 to 6.5 for proper growth and development.
Cultivation
Tricalysia wernhamiana is typically grown in tropical regions with warm temperatures and high rainfall. It can be grown in both full sun or partial shade. The plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level between 6.0 and 6.5. If you're growing the plant indoors, ensure that you provide plenty of humidity for optimal growth.
Watering Needs
Tricalysia wernhamiana should be watered consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will vary depending on the temperature and humidity of your environment. During the plant's growing season, it may require watering twice a week. Be sure to check the soil moisture level before watering and avoid letting the soil completely dry out.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized every three months during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can also add compost to the soil to improve its overall nutrient content. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can damage the plant.
Pruning
Tricalysia wernhamiana does not require regular pruning, but it may benefit from occasional shaping to control its size and shape. Pruning is best done in the early spring before the plant's new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to encourage new growth. You can also prune back the plant's branches to control its size.
Propagation of Tricalysia wernhamiana
Tricalysia wernhamiana (Hutch. & Dalziel) Keay, commonly known as the Forest Coffee, is a plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is a shrub or small tree that is native to West Africa.
There are two main methods of propagating Tricalysia wernhamiana, namely:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common and efficient method of propagating Tricalysia wernhamiana. The seeds are usually extracted from the ripe fruit, cleaned and sown in a suitable potting mix. It is best to sow the seeds immediately after cleaning to prevent them from drying out.
The seedlings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, bright location, but protected from direct sunlight. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Vegetative Propagation
Tricalysia wernhamiana can also be propagated vegetatively. This can be done through techniques such as stem cutting, air layering, and grafting.
Stem cutting involves taking a stem from the parent plant, removing the leaves from the lower portion, and planting it in a suitable potting mix. The stem cutting should be kept in a warm, bright location, but protected from direct sunlight. Once the stem cutting has developed roots, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Air layering involves making a small cut in the stem of the parent plant, wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss, and covering it with a plastic wrap. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be removed from the parent plant and transplanted to its location.
Grafting involves attaching a scion from the Tricalysia wernhamiana plant to the rootstock of another plant. This method of propagation is more complex and requires specific knowledge and expertise.
Disease Management
Tricalysia wernhamiana is known to be susceptible to several fungal diseases, including leaf spots, powdery mildew, and rust. To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain proper plant hygiene. Remove any infected plant parts and debris to reduce the likelihood of disease spread. Fungicides like copper-based products may also be applied to protect plants from fungal infections. Ensure to follow proper application instructions when using fungicides.
Pest Management
Several pests can attack Tricalysia wernhamiana, including aphids, mites, and beetles. To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and take the necessary corrective action before the population becomes too large. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil are effective in controlling pest populations. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings may also be introduced into the environment to help control pest populations. The use of chemical pesticides should be avoided as much as possible as they have adverse effects on the environment.
