Overview
Rhus divaricata, commonly known as the anchor creeper or Cape poison tree, is a species of shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to South Africa and can be found in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.
Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 6 meters tall and has a spreading habit, with a circumference of up to 5 meters. The stem and branches are light brown and have a rough texture. The leaves are alternate, trifoliolate, and 5-15 cm long, with serrated margins and a glossy, dark green color. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and appear in dense clusters in late winter to early spring. The fruit is a small, yellow to reddish-brown drupe.
Uses
Rhus divaricata has a variety of uses in traditional medicine. The bark, roots, and leaves contain compounds that have been used to treat various ailments such as stomach disorders, skin infections, and respiratory problems. The plant is also used in African traditional ceremonies and rituals. The wood is hard and durable, making it suitable for making furniture, tool handles, and other wooden objects.
However, Rhus divaricata is also a toxic plant, and its sap can cause severe skin irritation, burning, and blistering. The plant contains a toxic substance called urushiol, which can cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. Therefore, it is essential to handle the plant with care and avoid direct contact with its sap.
Overall, Rhus divaricata is an interesting plant with a wide range of uses and a unique appearance. It is a valuable part of the South African ecosystem and has played a significant role in the traditional medicine and culture of the region.
Growth Conditions for Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh.
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh., commonly known as the sandpaper bush, is a hardy plant that grows wild in open bushveld, grasslands, and along riverbanks in South Africa. This plant can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping.
Light Requirements
This plant requires full sunlight to grow and bloom. It cannot tolerate shade or partial shade, and if grown in such conditions, it will produce fewer flowers and become leggy. Ideally, plant Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. is native to South Africa and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as -8°C and as high as 40°C. During hot, dry weather, this plant goes dormant, shedding its leaves until the next rainfall, which allows it to conserve water.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-draining soil and can grow in nutrient-poor or sandy soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 8.0. It is a drought-resistant plant that can survive extended periods of drought. However, it requires regular watering during its growing season to produce flowers. It is important not to overwater Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. as it does not tolerate waterlogged soils or standing water.
In summary, Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. grows well in full sunlight, can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, and prefers well-draining soil. It is a great option for xeriscaping and can survive extended periods of drought.
Cultivation Methods:
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. It is tolerant of drought, making it a good choice for xeriscaping, but also tolerates moderate watering.
The plant requires full sun to partial shade, with a preference for morning sun. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C and can grow up to 2.5m tall under ideal conditions.
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. can be propagated through seed sowing, cuttings, and division. For best results, sow the seeds in spring or early summer in a seed bed with well-draining soil and cover lightly with mulch.
Watering Needs:
Water the plant regularly during the first growing season to promote root growth. Once established, Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. can tolerate long periods of drought.
It is important to avoid overwatering the plant as this can lead to root rot. A good approach is to allow the soil to become dry to the touch before watering again.
Fertilization:
It is generally unnecessary to fertilize Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. as it can grow well without it. However, adding a balanced fertilizer in the spring may help with growth and overall health.
Avoid using fertilizer with high levels of nitrogen as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower and fruit production.
Pruning:
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. requires minimal pruning. However, if pruning is necessary, it should be done during late winter or early spring while the plant is dormant.
The plant can be trimmed to control its size or to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. It is important to use clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh.
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh., commonly known as the sandpaper- or velvet bush, is a shrub native to South Africa. It grows up to 2 meters tall and prefers well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Rhus divaricata is highly valued in gardens for its aesthetic value, and it can also be used for medicinal purposes.
There are several propagation methods for Rhus divaricata:
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Rhus divaricata is propagation by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is in spring or early summer. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining mix and kept moist until germination occurs. The germination time can vary from a few days to a few weeks depending on the temperature and moisture levels. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be watered regularly and fertilized once a month with a balanced fertilizer. The seedlings can be transplanted to their final location once they are big enough to handle.
Cutting Propagation
Rhus divaricata can also be propagated from cuttings taken in the spring and summer. The cuttings should be about 10cm long, taken from the current season's growth, and dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining mix and kept moist until roots have formed. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Once the cuttings have rooted, they should be potted on and grown in a protected area to encourage further root development. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted to their final location once they are big enough to handle.
Division Propagation
Rhus divaricata can also be propagated by division in early spring. The shrub should be dug up carefully and divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has enough roots and shoots to establish itself. The divided sections should be replanted in a well-drained location and kept well-watered until they are established.
Overall, Rhus divaricata is an easy plant to propagate, and any of the above propagation methods should result in healthy, vigorous plants.
Disease Management
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. can be susceptible to different diseases. The following are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf spot / Blight
Leaf spot or blight is a fungal disease that can cause small, dark spots on leaves, which might enlarge and join together, affecting a large area of the leaf. To manage this disease, it is essential to maintain proper sanitation by removing diseased leaves and debris. Spraying fungicide can also help prevent further spreading of the disease.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that can cause leaves to develop small, circular spots that eventually expand and merge, damaging the leaves. Like in leaf spot, good sanitation practices, such as removing infected leaves and debris, can help manage the disease. Fungicide application can also aid in preventing further damage.
Crown rot
Crown rot is a soil-borne disease that can affect the roots and cause the plant to wilt. To manage this disease, it is necessary to maintain proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicide application might also be necessary.
Pest Management
Rhus divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. can also be susceptible to pests. The following are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leafminers
Leafminers are insects that can cause visible tunnels that can be seen in leaves. While they might not cause significant damage, it is still essential to manage these pests to prevent further damage. Removing infested leaves and spraying insecticide can help keep the insect population under control.
Scale insects
Scale insects can cause leaves to yellow and stunt plant growth. To manage them, it is crucial to prune infested branches and remove spent plant material properly. Utilizing insecticide can also be helpful in keeping these pests under control.
Spider mites
Spider mites can cause tiny yellow or white dots on leaves and webbing on the plant. To prevent further damage, it is necessary to maintain leaves dry by increasing humidity and utilizing insecticide spray.
