Overview
Rhus flexuosa Diels, also known as the Chinese sumac, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. The plant is native to China and is commonly found in subtropical and warm temperate regions. It has been introduced in many other parts of the world where it has become naturalized.General Appearance
The Chinese sumac has a rounded, bushy habit and can grow up to 3 meters tall and 4 meters wide. The leaves are pinnately compound and usually have 11-31 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate, measuring up to 12 centimeters long and 6 centimeters wide. The leaflets are glabrous, glossy, and have serrated margins. The foliage turns from green to reddish-purple in the fall. The bark is gray to brown, and the branches are slender, flexible, and arching.Common Names
The Rhus flexuosa Diels is also commonly known as the Chinese sumac, winged sumac, or fragrant sumac.Uses
The Chinese sumac is widely used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage and rounded growth habit. It is also utilized for erosion control, as it has an extensive root system that holds the soil together. Its leaves, fruits, and bark contain tannins that are used in the production of leather and dyes. Additionally, the fruits of the Chinese sumac are edible and have a sour taste. They can be consumed raw or used in the preparation of jams and jellies. The plant extract has been used in traditional medicine to treat asthma, cough, fever, and rheumatism. Nevertheless, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people, so caution is advised.Light Requirements
Rhus flexuosa Diels, commonly known as Chinese sumac, requires full sun to grow. It thrives in areas with bright, direct sunlight that lasts for at least six hours a day. Therefore, gardeners should plant it in a location with ample exposure to the sun to provide the plant with enough light to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
Chinese sumac thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, characterized by an average minimum temperature range of -23.3°C to -6.7°C and a maximum average temperature range of 21.1°C to 32.2°C respectively. It can grow well in areas with mild winters with no long periods of frost, and with hot summers, where temperatures soar to around 100°F.
Soil Requirements
Rhus flexuosa Diels prefers a well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. The ideal soil is rich in organic matter with good texture that would require ample oxygen flow to the roots. The plant is adapted to grow in a variety of soils, though it grows best in moist, deep loam soils. Providing the plant with soil that matches these requirements will go a long way in ensuring the best growth conditions for the Rhus flexuosa Diels.
Cultivation Methods:
Rhus flexuosa Diels, commonly known as Sausage Tree, is a drought-resistant plant that thrives in full sunlight. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in various soil types, including loam, sand, and clay. The ideal pH range for cultivation should be between 6.5 to 7.5. It is best to plant the tree in the spring and autumn seasons when the temperatures are mild. Plant the young saplings in a hole that is at least thrice the size of the root ball and water it regularly until it establishes the roots.
Watering Needs:
The Sausage Tree requires minimal watering once it matures. However, you must keep the plant hydrated during the first two years of its growth. Newly planted trees need to be watered once a week. Once it establishes itself, reduce the watering frequency to once every two weeks. During the summers, it is advisable to water the plant once every week. Water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening. Ensure that the soil is well-drained, as standing water can be lethal to the tree.
Fertilization:
The Sausage Tree requires minimal fertilization to thrive. Applying organic manure or compost during the initial planting phase can be beneficial. Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) after the first six months of growth. Reduce the fertilizer frequency to once a year once the tree matures. Avoid applying excess amounts of nitrogen-rich fertilizers as they can promote foliage growth and reduce flower and fruit production.
Pruning:
Pruning is essential to faciliate growth and shape the tree. Prune the tree in the dormant season, i.e., during the late winter or early spring season. Remove the dry, damaged, or diseased limbs along with dead or wilted flowers and fruits. This will encourage the tree to produce healthy branches and fruits. It is not advisable to prune more than one-third of the plant during a single pruning session as it can stress the tree.
Propagation of Rhus flexuosa Diels
Rhus flexuosa Diels is a deciduous shrub that is native to China and bears dark green leaves that turn red in autumn. It grows up to a height of 6 meters and is commonly cultivated for its ornamental value. Propagating Rhus flexuosa Diels is quite easy, and garden enthusiasts can do so using various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Rhus flexuosa Diels can be achieved using seeds obtained from ripe fruits. Collect the seeds in autumn when the fruit is fully mature. Clean the seeds and rinse with water to remove any debris. Sow the seeds in a tray filled with seedlings compost, and water gently. Cover the tray with a plastic sheet to create a humid environment and place it in a warm, bright position. The seeds will germinate in two to three weeks. Once they have germinated, transplant the seedlings into separate pots filled with potting soil and leave to grow for two years before planting in their permanent position.
Cuttings Propagation
Rhus flexuosa Diels can also be propagated using semi-hardwood cuttings collected from healthy plants. Cut a portion of the stem that is still green (semi-hardwood) and which is about 15cm long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting into a pot filled with compost and water generously. Cover the pot with a plastic sheet to create a humid environment and leave it to root. The cutting should take root within six weeks. Once it has rooted, transplant the cutting into a separate, larger pot and leave it to grow for two years before planting it in its permanent position.
Grafting Propagation
Another method of propagating Rhus flexuosa Diels is through grafting. This method is mostly used to propagate the cultivars of the shrub. It involves joining a young plant's stem onto another shrub's roots to create a new plant. Grafting is a complex method and requires professional skills and knowledge to do correctly. It should be done during winter when the shrub is dormant. Garden enthusiasts should seek professional guidance to learn how to graft Rhus flexuosa Diels.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus flexuosa Diels
Rhus Flexuosa Diels, commonly known as the Chinese sumac, is a small deciduous tree native to China. It is an excellent ornamental plant due to its beautiful foliage, showy flowers, and attractive fruit. However, like any plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant if left unmanaged.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots to form on the leaves of the plant. These spots can expand and merge, leading to leaf drop. To manage anthracnose, it's crucial to ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Applying a fungicide can also help prevent the disease.
Cedar-apple rust: This disease affects various plants, including Rhus flexuosa Diels. The disease causes yellow spots to appear on the leaves, which turn brownish-red and produce spores. To manage cedar-apple rust, use resistant plant varieties, prune infected branches, and remove any fallen leaves or debris around the base of the tree.
Canker: Canker is caused by fungi that enter the plant through injuries or wounds. It causes the bark to crack and the plant to ooze sap. The affected branches eventually die back. To manage canker, remove infected branches and avoid wounding the plant during pruning or cultivation.
Common Pests
Aphids: These pests are tiny, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant and cause leaves to curl or distort. To manage aphids, hose the plant down with water, apply insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
Scale insects: These pests are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck sap. They cause yellowing and leaf drop. To manage scale insects, use horticultural oil sprays, prune infested branches, and avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
Spider mites: These pests are tiny, spider-like insects that thrive in hot and dry conditions. They cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant, apply insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
By taking proper disease and pest management measures, it's possible to grow healthy and robust Rhus flexuosa Diels plants. Regular monitoring, good sanitation practices, and timely intervention are crucial to keep the plant pest- and disease-free.
