Plant Description:
Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. unifoliolata Cufod. is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. This plant has a rounded growth habit and can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) in height. It has numerous stems and arching branches that form a dense thicket. The plant's leaves are alternate, trifoliate, and glossy green, measuring about 3-5 cm long.
Origin and Common Names:
Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. unifoliolata Cufod. is a native to North, West, and East Africa and the Middle East, including countries like Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Yemen. It is commonly known as the sticky sumac, Sudan sumac, or gum sumac, due to the presence of a sticky substance on the leaves and stems.
Uses:
The plant and its parts have been traditionally used for various medicinal and culinary purposes. The leaves and stems are commonly used as a spice or flavoring agent in various cuisines. The plant also possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that make it useful in traditional medicine to treat several ailments like fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.
The plant is also known to attract wildlife and provides food for birds and insects. The sticky substance on the leaves and stems is sometimes used by birds to build their nests.
Overall, Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. unifoliolata Cufod. is an attractive shrub that has both ornamental and practical uses. Its hardiness and tolerance to drought make it an excellent plant for landscaping and erosion control on dry and rocky slopes.
Light Conditions
Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. unifoliolata Cufod. is a plant that thrives in full sun. It requires at least six hours of sunlight per day to grow properly. Plants that receive too little sunlight may become weak and more susceptible to diseases and insect infestations.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is known for being extremely cold hardy, and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C without any damage to its roots or foliage. However, it prefers warmer temperatures, ranging from 20-30°C, for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. unifoliolata Cufod. prefers well-drained soil that is fertile and nutrient-rich. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sand, loam, or clay, but it thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Soil that is too alkaline will cause the plant's leaves to become yellow and stunted. Adequate soil moisture is also essential for the growth of this plant.
Cultivation Methods
Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. unifoliolata Cufod., also known as the African sumac tree, is a hardy plant that is generally easy to grow. It is best cultivated in areas with full sun exposure to partial shade. This plant requires well-draining soil and can tolerate various soil types but prefers alkaline soils with a pH range of 7.0-8.0. African sumac is generally resistant to drought and can tolerate varied climatic conditions, including high temperatures, strong winds, and frost.
African sumac is propagated via seeds or cuttings. When using cuttings, choose young shoots and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Then dip the cutting in a rooting hormone and plant it in a pot with a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil slightly moist and wait for the cutting to root before transferring it to its permanent location in the garden or landscape.
Watering Needs
African sumac requires moderate watering. However, it is drought tolerant and can survive with infrequent watering once it gets established. Newly planted African sumacs require a regular watering schedule that ensures the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering may lead to root rot, so vigilance is necessary.
Fertilization
African sumac doesn't require much fertilization, and over-fertilizing can cause more harm than good. Apply a slow-release fertilizer with a low nitrogen percentage once a year early during the growing season to provide enough nutrients.
Pruning
To maintain the plant's shape, you should prune African sumac yearly. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, such as late winter or early spring. However, this plant has weak wood, so light pruning is suggested to avoid breaking or damaging its limbs. Remove only dead branches, crossing branches, and crowded branches to encourage healthy growth.
Propagation of Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. unifoliolata Cufod.
Rhus glutinosa is a deciduous shrub that propagates naturally through seeds, but it can also be propagated using vegetative techniques such as stem cuttings, root cuttings, layering, and grafting. The following are detailed explanations of each method:
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Rhus glutinosa should be taken in the spring, using a sharp, sterilized knife or pruning shears. The cuttings should be at least six inches long and should have several nodes. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone to stimulate root growth, then plant them in a container filled with a well-draining rooting medium. Keep the container in a warm, bright, and humid location, and regularly mist the cuttings to keep them from drying out. Roots should start to develop within a few weeks, and the cuttings can be transplanted into the ground when they are well-established.
Propagation by Root Cuttings
Root cuttings of Rhus glutinosa can be taken in the fall or winter when the plant is dormant. Cut off some of the roots that are thicker than a pencil and about four inches long. Cut each root into sections about one inch long, then plant them horizontally in a container filled with a moist rooting medium. Cover the container with plastic to create a humid environment, and keep it in a cool, dark place until the cuttings start to sprout. Once the cuttings have developed roots and shoots, transplant them into the ground.
Propagation by Layering
Layering is a technique that involves bending a branch of the Rhus glutinosa shrub to the ground and burying a portion of it in the soil. The buried part of the branch will develop roots, and once these roots are established, the branch can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted to a new location. Layering should be done in the spring or early summer, while the plant is actively growing. Make a small wound on the branch where it touches the soil to encourage root growth, then cover the wounded area with rooting hormone and bury the branch in the soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the layer has developed roots.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a technique that involves joining the stem of Rhus glutinosa with the rootstock of a related plant. Grafting is typically done on young plants, and it requires a high level of skill to be successful. The best time to graft is in the spring when the plant is actively growing. Choose a healthy and disease-free scion (the stem of the desired plant variety) and a rootstock that is compatible with it. Make a clean, sloping cut on both the scion and the rootstock, then join them together and wrap them with grafting tape. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm, moist, and shaded location until it starts to grow. Once the graft union has formed, the plant can be transplanted into the ground.
Disease Management
Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. unifoliolata Cufod. is highly resistant to diseases, but there are a few diseases that may affect the plant. The following are some of the most common diseases that may attack the plant and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes the leaves of the plant to wilt and fall off. The disease is often caused by poor air circulation and high humidity. To manage anthracnose, remove the infected leaves and branches and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicide treatments may also be necessary.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. The disease appears as small, circular spots on the leaves that gradually enlarge and turn brown. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Fungicide treatments may also be necessary.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. The disease is often caused by poor air circulation and high humidity. To manage powdery mildew, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Increase air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Fungicide treatments may also be necessary.
Pest Management
Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. unifoliolata Cufod. is rarely attacked by pests, but there are a few pests that may affect the plant. The following are some of the most common pests that may attack the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that suck the sap out of the plant, causing the leaves to become mottled and yellow. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, flat, oval-shaped pests that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and suck the sap out of it. To manage scale insects, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
