Origin
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima (Engl.) Schönland, commonly known as the African Sumac, is a plant species that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. The plant is native to Southern Africa and Mozambique.
Common Names
The African Sumac is known by various common names which include African Sumac, Deerbrush, African Kerosene Wood, Mountain Karee and African Tallowwood.
Uses
The African Sumac has several uses, especially in traditional medicine. The plant contains various compounds, especially tannins and flavonoids which have been known to be medicinal. The bark of the plant is used to treat sore throats, and the leaves are used to treat diarrhea and fever. Additionally, the plant is used to make soap.
General Appearance
The African Sumac is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 8 meters in height. It has a smooth, greyish-brown bark that becomes rough and flaky as the tree grows older. The leaves of the African Sumac are deep green, glossy and are compound with up to 13 leaflets. The leaflets are arranged in an odd-pinnate pattern. The African Sumac produces small yellow flowers during the spring and summer seasons, which are followed by small, rounded, reddish-brown fruit that are approximately 6 mm in diameter. The fruit is edible but not commonly eaten by humans and is instead a favored food source for birds and animals.
Light Requirements
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima (Engl.) Schönland typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure healthy growth, but it may tolerate some shade.
Temperature Requirements
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima (Engl.) Schönland can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers a climate that is mild to warm, with daytime temperatures between 15°C to 25°C. This plant is hardy and can withstand occasional frost or light freeze, but it requires protection during extreme cold weather.
Soil Requirements
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima (Engl.) Schönland is adaptable to various types of soil, including clay, loamy, and sandy soil. However, it prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant can tolerate neutral to slightly acidic soil, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
Avoid planting Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima (Engl.) Schönland in areas with poor drainage or soil that is consistently wet to prevent root rot. Regular fertilization and soil amendments may be necessary to maintain healthy growth.
Cultivation methods
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima (Engl.) Schönland is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers a well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It can be grown in full sun to partial shade conditions. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. It is essential to ensure that the plant is not exposed to frost during the initial growth period.Watering needs
The plant can survive in dry conditions and does not require frequent watering. It is ideal to water the plant when the soil is dry to touch, but avoid overwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can damage the plant's health. During the growing season, it is recommended to deep water the plant once every two to four weeks.Fertilization
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima (Engl.) Schönland does not require frequent fertilization. It is recommended to fertilize the plant during the growing season using a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Applying compost or organic matter during the initial planting stages enhances the soil's health and provides the necessary nutrients.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima (Engl.) Schönland. However, it is recommended to remove dead or damaged branches during the initial growth stages. The plant's natural growth pattern is to form a dense shrub, and pruning may hinder its growth. If desired, the plant can be lightly pruned during the dormant season to maintain its shape.Propagation of Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima (Engl.) Schönland
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima (Engl.) Schönland, commonly referred to as the Velvet Currant, can be propagated by different methods, including:
Seed Propagation
One of the most common propagation methods used for Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima is seed propagation. Seeds can be collected in late autumn or early winter and stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring. Sow the seeds in pots or flats filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm area with bright, indirect light. Germination may occur in 2-4 weeks, and once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden.
Cuttings Propagation
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Take a 6-inch cutting from a healthy stem, making sure to include at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, water it well, and cover it with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Roots should start forming in 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have formed, transplant the cutting into a larger container or directly into the garden.
Division Propagation
Another way to propagate Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima is by division. This is best done in the spring when new growth has emerged. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root ball into several sections, making sure each section contains a healthy number of roots and shoots. Replant each division in a well-draining soil mix and water well. Keep the newly divided plants in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight until they establish themselves.
With careful attention and adherence to good propagation techniques, you can increase your population of Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima, providing your garden or landscape with visually pleasing and ecologically beneficial plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima
Rhus discolor E.Mey. ex Sond. forma villosissima, commonly known as velvet tassel bush, is a plant species found in South Africa. Like most plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Here are some common diseases and pests that may attack the velvet tassel bush and ways to manage them:
Diseases
The velvet tassel bush can be affected by various fungal and viral diseases that can weaken the plant and eventually lead to its death. Some of the common diseases are:
1. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew appears as a whitish-gray powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. To prevent this disease, avoid overcrowding of plants and maintaining good air circulation. Also, water the plants early in the day so that the leaves can dry before nightfall. If the disease occurs, remove the infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
2. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is characterized by circular or irregular dark brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To control this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can be used to treat severe cases of leaf spot.
3. Botrytis Blight
Botrytis blight is caused by a fungus and affects the flowers of the velvet tassel bush. It appears as grayish brown spots on flowers, which later turn into a whitish-gray covering. To control this disease, remove the infected flowers and avoid excessive watering.
Pests
Besides diseases, velvet tassel bushes can also be affected by various pests that can cause considerable damage to the plant. Here are some common pests:
1. Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the velvet tassel bush, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, remove them by hand, spray with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
2. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To control spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small winged insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and eventually drop off. To control whiteflies, remove and destroy infected leaves and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Maintaining good plant hygiene, adequate watering, and nutrition are some of the best ways to prevent diseases and pest infestations in velvet tassel bushes. By managing the diseases and pests that may affect this plant species, gardeners can ensure that it grows healthy and strong.
