Overview
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl. is a plant species belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. It is commonly known as the Sand Rhus or the Karee. This plant is native to Southern Africa and can be found in various parts of the region such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
Appearance
The Sand Rhus is a small to medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It has a multi-stemmed growth habit and its bark is light brown in color. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with each leaf being composed of 3 to 7 leaflets. The leaflets are oblong in shape, about 2-5 cm long, and have a slightly hairy texture. The flowers of the Sand Rhus are small, greenish-yellow in color, and are borne in panicles. The fruit is a small, roundish drupe which ripens from green to a reddish-brown color when mature.
Uses
The Sand Rhus has various medicinal and cultural uses. The roots, bark, and leaves of the plant contain tannins and are used for various medicinal purposes such as treating diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. The leaves are also used to make a tea that is used to treat stomach ache and stop bleeding. The plant has cultural significance among the Pedi people of South Africa, who use it as an emetic during ancestral ceremonies. Additionally, the wood of the Sand Rhus is used for fuel, and its bark is widely used for tanning leather.
In conclusion, the Sand Rhus is an important plant species in Southern Africa that has various medicinal, cultural, and economic uses. Its multi-stemmed growth habit, oblong leaflets, and greenish-yellow flowers make it a unique and distinctive plant that is easy to identify.
Light Requirements
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl. is a sun-loving plant that requires full to partial sunlight for optimal growth. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive and produce maximum foliage and flowers. Without enough light, the plant can become leggy, weak, and susceptible to pests and diseases.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to South Africa and grows well in a warm and temperate climate. The ideal temperature range for Rhus divaricata var. fulvescens is between 20 to 27 degrees Celsius (68 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit), with nighttime temperatures not dipping below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). In colder regions, the plant may need to be grown in a greenhouse to protect it from frost and freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Rhus divaricata var. fulvescens prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to provide the necessary nutrients for growth. This plant is drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering, however, can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl. is a versatile plant that can be grown in a wide range of soil types. It prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division of root balls. The ideal time for propagation is during spring or early summer. Plant seedlings or cuttings in a sunny location that receives partial shade throughout the day.
Watering Needs
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl. requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. To avoid overwatering, water the plant only when the top inch of soil dries out. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization
During the growing season, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer to the soil around the plant. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging carefully to avoid over-fertilization, which could lead to excessive growth of the plant. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl. The best time to prune the plant is during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Remove any dead or diseased branches to improve the plant's overall health. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to make a clean cut and reduce damage to the plant. You can also prune the plant during the growing season to control its size and shape.
Propagation of Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl.
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl. can be propagated in several ways:
1. Seeds
The plant produces small seeds which can be collected, cleaned and sown in well-drained soil. The seeds need to be stratified for 90 days before sowing to break dormancy. Stratification can be done by storing the seeds in moistened vermiculite or sand in the refrigerator for the required period. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm and kept moist. Germination should occur in two to four weeks and the seedlings can be transplanted when they are about 5 cm tall.
2. Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood stems in summer when the plant is actively growing. Use a sharp, clean knife to take a cutting about 10 cm long, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-drained soil mix and keep it moist with regular watering. The cutting should root within six to eight weeks and can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.
3. Division
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl. can also be propagated by division. This is best done in early spring before new growth appears. Carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into small clumps using a sharp, clean knife. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil and water thoroughly.
Propagation of Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl. can be a rewarding experience and can ensure a steady supply of this beautiful plant for your garden or landscape.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl.
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl. is a hardy plant that is generally free from pest and disease problems. Nevertheless, some diseases and pests can affect the plant's health and reduce its productivity. Below are some of the common pests and diseases that affect Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl. and the appropriate management practices.
Pests
1. Scale insects: Scale insects suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually drop off. To manage these pests, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene to reduce the humidity level around the plant. Regular pruning and removal of infested leaves can also help control their spread. In extreme cases, the use of insecticides may be necessary.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that usually infest the undersides of leaves. They feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage this pest, it is important to maintain the humidity level around the plant by regular watering and misting. The use of insecticidal soap, predatory mites, or neem oil can also help control their spread.
3. Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to become skeletonized or riddled with holes. Handpicking and removal of the caterpillars can be an effective management practice. The use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad can also help control their spread.
Diseases
1. Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes the plant's leaves to develop brown or black spots. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and dispose of infected leaves as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease. The use of fungicides such as copper-based products may also be helpful.
2. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good air circulation by spacing the plants appropriately. Regular pruning can also help to increase air movement around the plant. The use of fungicides such as sulfur-based products or potassium bicarbonate can also be helpful.
By implementing the above management practices, growers can minimize the risk of pest and disease damage to their Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. fulvescens Engl. plants and ensure their healthy growth and development.
