Origin
Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst. ex Oliv.) M.G.Gilbert, commonly known as Abyssinian sumac or sticky sumac, is a plant species that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, such as Abyssinian sumac, sticky sumac, and African sumac.
Uses
The plant has various traditional and medicinal uses in Africa. Its bark is used as a remedy for respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and fever. The leaves and roots of the plant are used to treat snake bites, sore throat, and stomachache. The bark and leaves contain tannins and are used to make a brown dye, which is used to dye clothing and leather.
General Appearance
Abyssinian sumac is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It has a gray to brown bark that is smooth when young but becomes rough and peeling with age. The leaves are compound, alternate, and are composed of several leaflets that are ovate-lanceolate and serrate. The plant produces tiny greenish-white flowers in axillary panicles, which are followed by red to black drupes that are sticky when ripe.
Growth Conditions for Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica
Light: Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica typically grows best under full sun exposure. However, it can also tolerate partially shaded conditions.
Temperature: This species of plant is native to Africa, specifically to Ethiopia and Eritrea. It can tolerate temperatures between 10-27°C, but it prefers temperatures between 15-25°C. During the winter months, it is more tolerant of cooler temperatures but may not survive in temperatures below 2.2°C.
Soil: Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica prefers to grow in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from as low as 4.5 up to 9.0. However, it cannot grow in waterlogged or highly saline soils.
Water: This plant prefers moderate to high levels of water, but it can also tolerate drought conditions to some extent. During prolonged dry periods, it may require irrigation to maintain its growth and health.
Fertilizer: Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica requires minimal fertilization. However, applying organic or inorganic fertilizers during the growing season can enhance its growth and development. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced fruit production.
Cultivation of Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst. ex Oliv.) M.G.Gilbert
Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst. ex Oliv.) M.G.Gilbert is a plant species that is native to Ethiopia and other East African countries. It is a medium to large-sized tree that grows up to 30 meters tall. The tree can grow in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-drained soils that are moderately fertile.
The plant should be grown in an open space that receives full sunlight, as it requires high levels of light to grow and flourish. The tree also requires good ventilation, so it should not be planted in areas that are prone to being still.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry seasons. The watering frequency and quantity depend on the age of the tree, soil type, and climatic conditions. Young trees should be watered frequently until they establish their roots, after which the watering frequency should be reduced.
It should be noted that Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst. ex Oliv.) M.G.Gilbert is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods of drought, but this affects its growth rate and productivity.
Fertilization
The plant responds well to fertilizers, especially nitrogen-based fertilizers. The fertilizers should be applied annually, preferably during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. The amount of fertilizer to be applied depends on the age of the tree and its growth rate.
It should be noted that excessive fertilization can lead to the accumulation of excess nutrients in the soil, which can be toxic to the plant. Therefore, the fertilizers should be applied as per the recommended doses.
Pruning
Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst. ex Oliv.) M.G.Gilbert requires regular pruning to stimulate its growth and maintain its shape. Pruning should be done annually after the rainy season when the plant has finished producing its fruits.
The pruning should focus on removing the dead and diseased branches, as well as the crowded branches. It is recommended to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the tree.
Propagation of Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst. ex Oliv.) M.G.Gilbert
Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst. ex Oliv.) M.G.Gilbert can be propagated through various means:
Seed propagation
One of the easiest methods of propagating Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst. ex Oliv.) M.G.Gilbert is through seed propagation. Fresh seeds should be planted in well-draining soil mixed with sand. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2cm and watered gently. The seedlings will start appearing within a few weeks, and transplanting can be done when they are strong enough.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
Semi-hardwood cuttings taken from healthy stems can also be used to propagate Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst. ex Oliv.) M.G.Gilbert. The cuttings should be taken in late summer or early autumn and should be about 15-20cm long. The leaves on the bottom part of the cutting should be removed, leaving the top ones intact. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a mixture of peat and sand. The planted cuttings should be kept moist, and roots should start appearing within a few weeks.
Air layering
Air layering is also a viable method of propagating Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst. ex Oliv.) M.G.Gilbert. The process involves wounding a stem, applying a rooting hormone to the wounded part, and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. The wrapped section is then tied securely, and roots will start appearing within a few weeks. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut off and transplanted into a pot or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus Glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. Abyssinica
Like any other plant, Rhus Glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. Abyssinica is also susceptible to various diseases and pests. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures and manage them in time to prevent significant damage to the plant.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that attacks the leaves and stems of the plant. Symptoms include the formation of small, circular, or irregular, water-soaked spots on the leaves, which later turn reddish-brown.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that causes a white or grayish coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. If left untreated, the plant's leaves will start to wilt, and the plant will eventually die.
Bacterial Leaf Spot: Bacterial leaf spot is a bacterial disease that causes dark brown or black water-soaked lesions on the leaves. These spots can grow and merge, causing the leaves to dry and fall off.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that feed on the plant's sap. They usually attack the leaves and the young stems of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck sap from the leaves of the plant. You can identify them by the fine webbing they produce and the yellowing of the leaves.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies. They feed on the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause significant damage to the plant if left unchecked.
Ways to Manage
Sanitation: Ensure proper sanitation practices such as removing and destroying infected leaves and other plant debris to prevent the spread of disease and pests.
Natural Predators: Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that prey on pests like aphids and spider mites.
Chemical Treatment: Use pesticides and fungicides to control pests and diseases that are beyond natural remedies.
Proper Watering: Water the plant in the morning or early afternoon to ensure the leaves can dry before nightfall, which can prevent the growth of fungal diseases.
Proper Pruning: Proper pruning techniques can improve the plant's health by removing diseased parts of the plant and promoting air circulation.
By taking preventive measures and reacting early, you can manage diseases and pests and ensure the healthy growth of Rhus Glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. subsp. Abyssinica.
