PLANTS
COFFEE:
Botanical Info:
- Genus: Coffea
- Main species:
Lifespan: Up to 30–40 years (productive for ~20 years)
Height: 2 to 4.5 meters (can grow taller if unpruned)
Growing Conditions:
Climate: Tropical; prefers temperatures between 15–24°C (Arabica) or 24–30°C (Robusta)
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Altitude: 600–2,000+ meters (higher altitudes for Arabica)
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Rainfall: 1,200–2,200 mm annually
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Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter
Plant Features:
Leaves: Glossy, dark green, oval-shaped
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Flowers: Small, white, and fragrant, bloom in clusters
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Fruit: Red or purple cherries, each containing 1–2 beans
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Harvest: Once or twice a year, depending on region
Lifespan & Yield:
Begins to produce fruit at 3–4 years
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Best yield from years 5 to 20
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One tree yields 0.5–5 kg of cherries per year
USES OF COFFEE PLANT:
1. Coffee Beans (Seeds)
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Primary use: Roasted and ground to make coffee, one of the world’s most consumed beverages.
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By-products:
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Caffeine extraction (used in energy drinks, medicine, cosmetics)
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Coffee oil (used in perfumes and aromatherapy)
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2. Coffee Cherries (Fruits)
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The pulp and skin are usually discarded, but they have emerging uses:
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Cascara tea – A tea made from dried coffee cherry skins
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Animal feed – After fermentation or drying
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Compost/fertilizer – Used as organic matter to enrich soil
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Biogas production – Fermented pulp can be a bioenergy source
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3. Leaves
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Used in some cultures to make herbal tea (e.g. in Ethiopia, Sudan, Indonesia)
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Contain low levels of caffeine and antioxidants
4. Agricultural & Industrial Uses
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Mulch & compost – Leaves and pulp enrich soil in coffee farms
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Biochar or briquettes – Dried coffee husks and grounds used as solid fuel
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Natural dye – From leftover grounds or cherry skins
5. Medicinal and Cosmetic Uses
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Antioxidant properties – From beans, leaves, and pulp
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Skin care products – Coffee extracts used for exfoliation, anti-aging, and cellulite creams
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Traditional medicine – Used in some cultures to treat headaches and fatigue
6. Environmental Benefits
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Grown under shade trees, coffee plantations support biodiversity and soil conservation
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Carbon sequestration – Trees help absorb CO₂
DISADVANTAGE OF COFFEE:
1. Health-Related Disadvantages:
Caffeine dependency
Regular consumption can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms (headaches, irritability, fatigue).-
Insomnia & anxiety
High caffeine intake can disrupt sleep and increase anxiety or restlessness, especially in sensitive individuals. -
Stomach issues
Coffee is acidic and may cause heartburn, acid reflux, or stomach irritation in some people. -
Increased heart rate & blood pressure
In large doses, caffeine can raise blood pressure and heart rate temporarily. -
Bone health
Excessive caffeine may reduce calcium absorption, potentially affecting bone density over time.
2. Environmental Disadvantages:
- Deforestation
- High water use
- Pesticide use
3. Economic & Social Concerns
- Labor exploitation
- Price volatility
CLOVE:
Clove is a highly aromatic spice made from the dried flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), which belongs to the Myrtaceae family. It is widely used in cooking, medicine, and perfumery.
Botanical Info:
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Scientific Name: Syzygium aromaticum
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Family: Myrtaceae
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Origin: Native to the Maluku Islands (Indonesia), now grown in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania.
Clove Tree Features:
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Height: 8–12 meters
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Leaves: Large, evergreen
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Flowers/Buds: Pink flower buds are harvested and dried to become cloves
USES OF CLOVE:
1. Culinary Uses
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Spice (whole or ground):
Used in curries, stews, rice dishes, pickles, and marinades. -
Flavoring agent:
Adds warmth and aroma to desserts (cakes, cookies), chai tea, and mulled wine. -
Part of spice blends:
Common in garam masala, five-spice powder, and pumpkin spice.
2. Medicinal Uses
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Toothache relief:
Clove oil (rich in eugenol) is a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. -
Digestive aid:
Stimulates digestive enzymes, relieves gas and bloating. -
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial:
Used in natural remedies for sore throat, coughs, and colds. -
Blood sugar control:
May help regulate blood sugar levels (ongoing research).
3. Dental and Oral Care
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Mouthwash & toothpaste:
Clove oil is used for its antibacterial and numbing properties. -
Gum health:
Helps reduce inflammation and fight oral infections.
4. Cosmetic and Aromatherapy Uses
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Aromatherapy oil:
Used for stress relief, muscle pain, and boosting mood. -
Skin care products:
Included in creams and soaps for its antibacterial and fragrance qualities.
5. Household Uses
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Natural insect repellent:
Clove oil repels mosquitoes, moths, and other pests. -
Air freshener:
Used in potpourri or simmering with citrus for a natural room scent.
6. Industrial Uses
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Food preservative:
Its antimicrobial properties help preserve processed foods. -
Pharmaceuticals:
Clove oil and extracts are used in over-the-counter dental and throat products.
DISADVANTAGE OF CLOVE:
1. Health Risks
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Allergic reactions
Some people may experience skin irritation, rashes, or respiratory issues when exposed to clove oil or powder. -
Liver damage (in high doses)
Clove oil contains eugenol, which is toxic in large quantities and can lead to liver problems, especially in children. -
Bleeding risk
Eugenol slows blood clotting, so clove (especially the oil) may increase bleeding risk, particularly if taken before or after surgery or with blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin). -
Respiratory issues in children
Clove oil can cause serious breathing problems if inhaled or ingested by infants or young children.
2. Drug Interactions
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May interact with anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or NSAIDs, increasing the risk of bruising or bleeding.
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Can affect the metabolism of other drugs due to liver enzyme interactions.
3. Irritation from Clove Oil
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Skin burns or damage if applied undiluted.
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Mouth or gum irritation when used excessively for toothaches or mouth ulcers.
4. Overconsumption Risks
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Excessive intake of cloves (in food or supplements) may cause:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Abdominal pain
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Dizziness
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5. Unsafe for Infants & Pregnant Women
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High doses of clove oil are not recommended during pregnancy or for infants, due to possible toxicity and hormonal effects.
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