PLANTS
PLANTS IN THE
GARDENS DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE WONDERFUL PLANTS TO LOOK OUT FOR NEXT TIME YOU VISIT THE GARDENS.
‘A ttractive specimens grow adjacent to the Cadi Jam Ora Garden’ ARABIAN COFFEE Coffee arabica Family Rubiaceae In terms of world trade, coffee is second only to petroleum and its by-products in monetary value. Coffee trees are thought to have originated in Kenya and Ethiopia, later spreading to Arabia about the 6th century. The Arabs were the first to brew coffee, followed by the Egyptians several centuries later, probably around the 16th century. Coffee reached England in the first half of the 17th century, where it became an important part of the social and political scene.
There was known to have been a coffee house in Oxford by 1650, and by 1675 England is reputed to have had 3,000 of them! Some became centres for political and religious debate. King Charles II tried to have them closed as “seminaries of sedition,” but the ensuing uproar forced him to rescind his order. Coffee is a very striking plant to grow and makes a great screening plant, a specimen shrub or even a large pot plant. In the Sydney region it is likely to grow up to 5m tall. The leaves are dark glossy-green while the starry flowers which are scented and white, appear in spring. The average tree will
produce its first berries after three to four years and, in the right environment, will go on producing berries for many years. Initially coffee berries are green, becoming deep-crimson when ripe. Normally each berry contains two seeds or beans. Trees have been known to remain productive for over 30 years in ideal conditions. Commercially the average coffee plant produces its first crop after about three years. Nowadays most commercial production of coffee is centred in tropical America, mainly Brazil, Colombia and the West Indies. It is also grown in part of south-east Asia, Papua New Guinea and a small amount in Queensland. Ideally, coffee plants should be grown in locations sheltered from strong wind and shaded from the hottest afternoon sun in summer. Soil must be well drained and for best results, enriched with organic material such as aged manure or compost. The root zone should be mulched with a good layer of compost or straw to aid moisture retention and keep the roots cool. Take care to keep the mulch clear of the stem to avoid rotting of the base or collar of the stem. Water regularly until plants are well established then water deeply, but less often, to encourage a well-developed root system. You may like to harvest and dry ripe berries, and even consider roasting and grinding some. You are unlikely to produce the finest brew, but it could be an interesting experiment! Growing Friends Plant Sales usually offer coffee plants, which are attractive at all stages of growth, with their dark glossy foliage and scented flowers as they mature. You can see some attractive specimens of coffee trees growing in bed 20 adjacent to the Cadi Jam Ora – First Encounters Garden, and in bed 84 just north of the Herb Garden. Margaret Hanks, Growing Friends, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
THE GARDENS SUMMER 2021–2022 27
