Overview
Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) Engl. is a species of plant in the family Anacardiaceae. This plant has several common names including Natal sumac, Kalmoes, Brandblaar and Natal red currant.
Origin
The plant is native to South Africa and can commonly be found in the Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. It is usually found growing in grasslands, coastal sand dunes and bushy areas.
Appearance
The Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis is a small erect tree that can grow up to 5 meters tall. Its leaves have a papery feel and are greyish-green in color, turning red and yellow in autumn. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color, and bloom from March to June. The fruit is a small, round, reddish-brown drupe that contains a single seed.
Uses
Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis has several uses. The bark and roots of this plant have been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments including stomach aches, diarrhea, and fever. The leaves and small stems are used to make a tea that is said to have therapeutic properties. In addition, the plant is also used for landscaping, erosion control, and as a source of food for birds and other wildlife.
Overall, Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis is a useful and attractive plant that has several traditional and modern uses. Its unique appearance and natural properties make it a popular choice for many gardeners and herbalists.Light Requirements
The Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis prefers a lot of sunlight to thrive. Thus, it's essential to plant the shrub where it can receive full sun exposure daily. An area with at least 6 hours of full sunlight is ideal for this shrub to grow well.
Temperature Requirements
The Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis requires warm temperatures to grow. Mild climate ranges from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. A temperature range below 10 degrees C might lead to the death of the shrub. It can tolerate a temperature range of 30 degrees C, but anything higher than that could lead to the shrub's death.
Soil Requirements
The Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis grows well in sandy loam soil that is well-drained and fertile. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy soil, loam soil, and rocky soil. But, the soil must be acidic in nature with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. The shrub is drought-tolerant but cannot thrive in waterlogged soil. Therefore, it's vital to plant it in an area with proper drainage.
Cultivation Methods
The Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) Engl. plant is native to Southern Africa. It requires a well-draining, sandy soil and prefers a location that receives full sun or partial shade. The plant can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
Watering Needs
The Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) Engl. plant requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Fertilization
The Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) Engl. plant benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. Fertilizer application should be discontinued during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
The Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) Engl. plant requires minimal pruning. Dead or damaged branches should be removed promptly. The plant can be shaped by selectively pruning to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) Engl.
Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) Engl., commonly known as the Natal Karee, is a hardy tree that is easy to propagate. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by seeds:
The first step in propagating Rhus glaucescens through seeds is to collect fresh seeds from a healthy tree. The seeds should be soaked in hot water for 24 to 48 hours before planting to soften the seed coat and break dormancy. After soaking, the seeds should be cleaned and planted in a seedbed filled with well-drained soil. The seedbed should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take up to six weeks.
Propagation by cuttings:
Rhus glaucescens can also be propagated by cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be taken from a healthy tree during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 20 to 30 cm long and 1 cm thick. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in a well-drained potting medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Rooting should occur in six to eight weeks.
Once the seeds or cuttings have been successfully propagated, the young plants should be watered regularly and placed in a sunny location. They should be protected from strong winds and frost during their early growth stage.
Disease Management
Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, in certain conditions, it may be susceptible to certain diseases.
One common disease that can affect the plant is fungal leaf spot. Symptoms of this disease include circular brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy any infected plant material. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid overhead irrigation and ensure that the plant has proper air circulation.
Another potential disease is powdery mildew, which is characterized by a white powdery growth on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to apply a fungicide and prune any affected leaves or branches.
Pest Management
Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis may also be susceptible to certain pests.
One common pest is the scale insect, which can cause yellowing and defoliation of the plant. To manage this pest, it is important to prune and discard any infested plant material. Predatory insects such as ladybugs can also be introduced to control the infestation.
Another potential pest is the aphid, which can cause distorted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overall, maintaining a healthy growing environment and ensuring proper plant care can go a long way in preventing disease and pest infestations in Rhus glaucescens A.Rich. var. natalensis.
