Origin and Common Names
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma grandifolia (Engl.) Schönland, commonly known as the velvet currant, is a plant species that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. The plant is native to the southern parts of Africa, including Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.
General Appearance
The velvet currant is a shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall. The leaves of the plant are large and compound, with each leaf having 5-7 leaflets. The leaflets are oval-shaped, with a long pointy tip and a serrated margin. The upper part of the leaf is dark green, while the lower part has a velvety texture, giving the plant its name.
The flowers of the velvet currant are small and greenish-yellow, arranged in tight clusters. The plant produces fruits that are small and red, which turn black when they are ripe. The fruits are edible, but they are not commonly consumed.
Uses
The velvet currant has many traditional uses. The leaves of the plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat fever and abdominal pain. The bark of the plant has been used to make a type of rope, while the wood has been used to make furniture.
The plant is also used in landscaping, with its attractive foliage making it a popular choice for gardens and parks.
Despite its many uses, it is important to note that the velvet currant contains chemicals that can cause skin irritation. As such, caution should be taken when handling the plant.
Light Requirements
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma grandifolia (Engl.) Schönland prefers to grow in areas with full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. For optimal growth, it is recommended to provide the plant with an adequate amount of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate both high and low temperatures, making it suitable for various climatic conditions. However, it prefers a warm climate with temperatures ranging between 18 and 28°C (64 and 82°F). It cannot withstand frost and requires protection during the winter season in colder areas.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy soils, clay soils, and loamy soils. The ideal pH range for growing Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma grandifolia (Engl.) Schönland is between 5.5 and 7.5. However, the plant can tolerate acidic soils with a pH below 5.5. It is recommended to incorporate organic matter into the soil before planting to improve drainage and fertility.
Cultivation
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma grandifolia (Engl.) Schönland, commonly known as the waxberry, is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but outdoor planting is preferred as it grows larger than indoor plants. Waxberry thrives in full sun and well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.1 – 7.5. The plant is easily propagated from cuttings and can be transplanted to the garden or pot after 6 – 8 weeks.
Watering
Waxberry requires moderate watering during the growing season, but the frequency of watering should be adjusted depending on the soil type, temperature, and humidity. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. The best way to know if your plant needs water is to check the top layer of the soil; if it feels dry to the touch, then it's time to water the plant.
Fertilization
Waxberry is a light feeder, and too much fertilizer can harm its growth. It's recommended to fertilize the plant during the growing season every 4 – 6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and bone meal, applied once or twice a year.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for an optimal growth of the waxberry plant. It's recommended to prune the plant during the dormancy period, which is from late fall to early winter. Pruning should focus on removing the dead, damaged, and diseased branches, and any stems that rub against each other. Also, you can prune to shape the plant and encourage a compact growth. When pruning, ensure to use sharp pruning shears, and sterilize them with alcohol or bleach after each cut to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma grandifolia (Engl.) Schönland
There are a few methods for propagating Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma grandifolia (Engl.) Schönland, including:
Seed Propagation
The easiest method of propagating Rhus discolor is through seed. To begin, collect mature seeds from the plant during the summer months. Once harvested, soak the seeds for 24 hours in cold water to soften the seed coat. Next, sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with well-draining soil mix and cover the tray with a clear plastic cover to create a humid environment. Keep the tray out of direct sunlight and maintain a consistent temperature of 20-25°C. The seeds will germinate within 1-3 months.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings is another method of propagating Rhus discolor. In late spring, take semi-ripe cuttings from the plant that are 5-10cm long with a few leaves attached. Trim off the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Then, plant the cutting in a soilless mix and water well. Cover the container with a clear plastic bag and place it in bright but indirect light. Maintain a consistent temperature of 20-25°C and mist the cutting regularly. The cutting should begin to root after 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Rhus discolor can also be propagated by division, but it is not a common method. This method works well for mature plants that have grown crowded together. Dig up the plant and divide the roots into several pieces. Each division should have a few stems and a healthy root system. Then, replant the divisions in well-draining soil mix and water well. Keep the new plants in partial shade and maintain a consistent temperature of 20-25°C until they establish new roots.
Disease Management for Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma grandifolia (Engl.) Schönland
While Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma grandifolia (Engl.) Schönland is generally a fairly healthy plant, it can still be prone to a few diseases. One of the most common diseases affecting this plant is leaf spot, which is caused by a fungal infection. This may result in light brown patches with darker edges on the leaves. The diseased leaves should be pruned and removed, and a fungicide should be applied to prevent further spread of the infection.
Canker is another disease that can affect the Rhus discolor plant, which is caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. This may cause the bark to crack and peel away from the trunk. In severe cases, canker can eventually cause the plant to die. The infected tissue should be pruned and removed, and a fungicide or bactericide may need to be applied if necessary.
Pest Management for Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma grandifolia (Engl.) Schönland
Rhus discolor is relatively resistant to pests and insects. However, there are a few pests that can still cause some damage. One common pest is the scale insect, which appears as small, raised bumps on the plant's stems and leaves. They may also cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. These can be managed by pruning and removing the affected areas and applying an insecticidal soap or oil.
Another pest that may attack the Rhus discolor plant is the spider mite, which can cause yellow spots on the leaves and may spread throughout the plant if left untreated. These can be managed by spraying the plant with water frequently or applying a miticide.
If the plant is already infected, it is essential to get rid of the infected material and dispose of it properly. Regularly monitoring the plant, practicing proper sanitation, and ensuring optimal growing conditions can promote a healthy plant and prevent any potential diseases and pest infestations.
