Mauritius Wild Coffee (Coffea mauritiana)

Mauritius Wild Coffee

Coffea mauritiana

Glossy evergreen foliage carries subtle fragrant blooms, a wild cousin of cultivated coffee. Evergreen shrub; common name: Mauritius Wild Coffee.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect to partial morning direct sunlight; avoid harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in 18–25°C; protect from temperatures below 10°C to prevent leaf browning and damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Opposite, elliptical glossy dark green leaves with entire margins, 5–10 cm long
  • Flower: Clusters of small, fragrant white tubular flowers
  • Fruit: Small red drupes containing small wild coffee beans
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn; reduce feeding in autumn and winter

Eggshell powder top dressing:Grind dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon per pot monthly to boost soil calcium and improve drainage
Pruning
  • Prune overgrown branches in early spring to maintain a compact, rounded shape
  • Remove dead or yellowing leaves regularly to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
  • Thin dense foliage to allow light penetration to inner branches
  • Trim spent flower clusters to encourage new growth and maintain plant appearance
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Contains caffeine, which is toxic; may cause restlessness, rapid heart rate, tremors, vomiting

Humans: Ingestion of large quantities of leaves or beans may cause caffeine-related effects like jitteriness or insomnia

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental landscape shrub; source of small, low-caffeine wild coffee beans