General Description
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy, commonly known as the mountain currant, is a deciduous shrub and a member of the Anacardiaceae family. It can grow up to 5 meters tall and 3 meters wide.
Origin
The mountain currant is native to southern Africa, particularly in Lesotho, South Africa, and Swaziland, but can also be found in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It prefers to grow in mountainous regions, particularly in rocky places, and can thrive in various soil types such as clay, sand, or loam.
Common Names
The Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy is commonly known as the mountain currant, but it also has other names such as the Cape sumac, African sumac, and rock currant.
Uses
The mountain currant, especially its leaves and roots, is used in traditional medicine to alleviate ailments such as stomach pains, diarrhea, and fever. Its red fruits, which resemble small currants, are also edible and can be used to make jelly, while its bark can be used to make ink or black dye for textiles. In addition, the plant is valued for its ornamental purposes, making it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes.
Appearance
The mountain currant has a distinguishable appearance with its pinnate leaves that are green on top, and white and hairy on the bottom. It produces small white to pale pink flowers that bloom in the late spring and early summer, followed by the small red currant-like fruits that mature in late summer. The bark of the plant is grayish-brown and smooth when young, but becomes rough and blackish-brown as it ages.
Growth Conditions for Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy is a plant native to the southern parts of Africa. It can grow up to 3 meters high and has a shrub-like appearance. This plant thrives in specific growth conditions, as discussed below:
Light Requirements
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy prefers full sun exposure. It needs to have access to at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and development. If the plant is grown in low light conditions, it may become leggy, have fewer leaves and flowers, and have weak, spindly stems that are susceptible to damage.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic matter such as compost, leaf mold or well-rotted manure can improve soil fertility. It is also important to mention that Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy cannot tolerate waterlogged soils for prolonged periods because it may cause root rot.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to hot and dry conditions and can tolerate temperatures of up to 40°C. Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy grows best in warm to hot temperatures, with the ideal temperature range being 20°C to 30°C. In mild winters, the plant can survive outdoor conditions, but it may need some protection from extreme cold and frost.
Overall, Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy is a plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. These conditions include full sun exposure, well-drained slightly acidic soil, and warm to hot temperatures.
Cultivation Methods
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy is a plant that thrives well in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires full sunlight exposure to grow healthy and vigorous. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. If you are using cuttings, ensure that they are taken from the healthy and disease-free specimen.
When planting, dig a hole that is twice the size of the container. Amend the soil with compost or manure to make it nutrient-rich. Carefully remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots before planting it in the hole. Fill the hole with soil, and gently press it to remove air pockets. Add mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Watering Needs
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy is a drought-tolerant plant that requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter. Avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot. Check the soil moisture level before watering by inserting a finger or a soil moisture meter into the soil. If the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface, it's time to water.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial for the healthy growth and development of Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to supply the plant with essential nutrients. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive vegetative growth. Do not fertilize during the winter months.
Pruning
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy requires minimal pruning. However, it's best to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches in early spring to encourage new growth. You can also prune to shape the plant or control its size. Use sharp and clean pruning tools to prevent spreading of diseases. Avoid pruning during the winter months as it may weaken the plant and make it susceptible to cold damage.
Propagation of Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy can be propagated by various methods. The most common methods are through seeds and cuttings. Each method has its unique requirements and benefits.
Propagation through seeds
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy seeds require specific conditions to germinate. They need to be stratified or exposed to cold temperatures before planting. The cold temperature helps to break the seed’s dormancy and stimulate germination. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil or started in containers filled with a well-draining potting mix. Seedlings should be thinned to allow adequate space for growth. Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy seeds can take up to three years to germinate.
Propagation through cuttings
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy cuttings provide a quick and straightforward method of propagation. The cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood or hardwood stems. Semi-hardwood cuttings are the most preferred method since the chances of rooting are higher. Before planting the cuttings, remove the leaves and dip the cut ends in rooting hormones. The cuttings can be planted in containers filled with a well-draining potting mix or directly in the garden soil. The soil should be kept moist to allow roots to develop. The new plants should be protected from direct sunlight and strong winds until they establish roots.
Disease Management
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy is prone to various diseases that can affect its health and growth. The most common diseases that affect Rhus discolor include:
- Leaf spot: It is caused by fungi and is characterized by small, brown spots on the leaves. It can be managed by practicing good sanitation, removing and destroying the affected leaves, and using fungicides.
- Canker: It is caused by a fungal or bacterial infection and is characterized by lesions on the bark. It can be managed by removing the affected branches and using fungicides or bactericides.
- Root rot: It is caused by fungi and can lead to the plant's death. It can be managed by improving the soil drainage, avoiding overwatering, and using fungicides.
Regular monitoring of the plant's health and prompt action can help prevent the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma intermedia Burtt Davy is also susceptible to pest infestations. The most common pests that affect Rhus discolor include:
- Aphids: They suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and distorted leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil or by introducing natural predators.
- Caterpillars: They eat the leaves and can cause severe defoliation. They can be managed by picking them off by hand or using natural predators.
- Spider mites: They cause yellowing and webbing on the leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil or by introducing natural predators.
Regular monitoring of the plant for pest infestations and prompt action can help prevent damage to the plant.
