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Description
Palicourea Padifolia, commonly known as the “Cafecillo,” is a tropical shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant is native to the Caribbean Islands and is widely distributed in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and St. John. The Cafecillo plant has a unique chemical composition that makes it an important source of caffeine, which is used in many food and beverage products worldwide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Palicourea |
Appearance
The Cafecillo plant is a small evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height. It has a dense foliage of glossy green leaves that are oval-shaped and can grow up to 14 centimeters long. The plant produces small white flowers that bloom in clusters and have a sweet fragrance. The fruit of the Cafecillo plant is a small red berry that contains two seeds. The seeds are used to extract caffeine, which is an important ingredient in many beverages and food products.
Care Guide
To grow the Cafecillo plant, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, and sunlight. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in both full sun and partial shade and is hardy in zones 10 and 11. To keep the plant healthy, it is recommended to fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer every three months and water it regularly. To prevent overwatering, allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cafecillo plant is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. These diseases can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
The Cafecillo plant is native to the Caribbean Islands and is commonly found in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and St. John. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and coastal areas. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Cafecillo plant be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight and is fertilized regularly.
Q: How often should I water my Cafecillo plant?
A: Water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for the Cafecillo plant?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer every three months to keep the plant healthy.
Q: Can the Cafecillo plant be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from cuttings taken in the spring or early summer.
Related Plants
- Palicourea crocea
- Palicourea guianensis
- Palicourea macrobotrys
- Palicourea padifolia
- Palicourea rigida
References
- “Palicourea padifolia – Cafecillo.” Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, 2021.
- “Palicourea padifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021.
- “Palicourea padifolia.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 2021.
