Origin
Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata (Sond.) Schönland, commonly known as the African sumac, is a shrub or small tree species belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. This plant is native to the eastern parts of South Africa, where it grows in a range of habitats including rocky slopes, dry hillsides, and river valleys, among others.
Common Names
The African sumac has several common names depending on the region, including ladder tree, flatcrown, and wink leaf. In South Africa, the plant is commonly referred to as "blinkblaar," which loosely translates to "shiny leaves" in Afrikaans.
Uses
The African sumac has a rich history of traditional medicinal uses, mainly in the treatment of various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach pains. The plant's leaves and bark contain tannins, which offer astringent properties that can help to relieve inflammation and heal wounds. The plant is also used in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as sore throat and asthma. In some regions, the plant's wood is used to make furniture and other household items.
General Appearance
The African sumac is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 meters tall, with a spread of up to 6 meters. It has a dense, rounded crown, and its branches are drooping, giving it a weep-like appearance. The plant's leaves are shiny, oval-shaped, and alternate in arrangement, with serrated edges. The flowers are small and yellow-green, and the plant produces clusters of small, reddish fruit, which are edible but not commonly consumed.
Light Requirements
The Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata (Sond.) Schönland plant typically requires full sun exposure to thrive. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it may affect its growth and development. It is best to plant the Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata (Sond.) Schönland in a location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata (Sond.) Schönland plant is well-suited for subtropical to temperate climates. The plant can tolerate mild frost, but exposure to extreme temperatures may damage or kill the plant. The ideal temperature range for the Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata (Sond.) Schönland plant is between 15°C to 30°C.
Soil Requirements
The Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata (Sond.) Schönland plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil pH level should be between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or rocky soils. It is important to ensure that the soil moisture level is consistent. Overwatering can cause root rot, whereas underwatering can cause the plant to dry out and wither.
Cultivation Methods
Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata (Sond.) Schönland, commonly known as red berry, is a drought-tolerant plant that requires well-drained soil with full to partial sun exposure. The plant grows well in rocky or sandy soil and can tolerate mild frost. It is susceptible to root rot and should be planted in areas with good air circulation. The plant can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings, with stem cuttings being the easiest method.
Watering Needs
The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. It is recommended to water it deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during winter months. Overwatering may cause root rot and affect the plant's health, so it is crucial to let the soil dry out before the next watering.
Fertilization
Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata (Sond.) Schönland does not require frequent fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium can be applied once a year during late winter or early spring. It is recommended to avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they may encourage excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning
The plant does not require frequent pruning, but it can benefit from occasional shaping to maintain its desired size and shape. Pruning should be done during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. It is recommended to remove damaged or diseased branches and thin out any overcrowded areas. As with all pruning, it is recommended to use a sterilized tool to avoid spreading any diseases.
Propagation of Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata (Sond.) Schönland
Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata (Sond.) Schönland, commonly known as the red currant, is a deciduous shrub that is native to South Africa. Propagation of this plant can be done by using several methods.
Seed propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata is through seed propagation. The seeds are collected from mature fruits and then sown in a well-drained soil mix. The seeds should be sown in trays or pots and placed in a warm and bright location. The seedlings will emerge within 7-14 days and can be transplanted once they are big enough to handle.
Softwood cuttings
Softwood cuttings can also be used to propagate Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata, particularly during the spring and summer months. Cuttings of about 10-15cm in length can be taken from the softwood shoots and then dipped into a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be placed in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Rooting should occur in about 4-6 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location once they are well-established.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
Propagation of Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata can also be done through semi-hardwood cuttings during late summer and autumn. Cuttings that are about 15-20cm in length can be taken from the semi-hardwood stems, and the base of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be placed in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Rooting should occur in about 6-8 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location once they are well-established.
Division
Finally, propagation of Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata can also be done through division, which involves separating the plant's roots into smaller sections. This method is best done during the dormant season, and the new sections can be planted in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until they are well-established.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata (Sond.) Schönland
Rhus incisa L.f. var. obovata (Sond.) Schönland is a hardy and resilient plant, but it is still vulnerable to certain diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Bacterial Canker: This is a disease caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. morsprunorum. Symptoms include cankers on branches and trunk, and the formation of gum-like exudates. To manage bacterial canker, remove and destroy infected plant material and avoid wounds to the plant.
Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella nawae. Symptoms include yellowing and browning of leaves, and the formation of circular spots. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plant material and avoid overhead watering.
Crown Gall: This is a disease caused by the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Symptoms include the formation of galls on the plant's crown. To manage crown gall, remove and destroy infected plant material and avoid wounding the plant.
Pests
Japanese Beetle: This pest can cause significant damage to the plant's foliage, leaving it skeletonized. To manage Japanese beetle, handpick and destroy them or use a biological control such as parasitic nematodes.
Aphids: These pests suck sap from the plant's foliage, causing leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water to wash them off the plant.
Scale Insects: These pests can cause yellowing and premature dropping of the plant's leaves. To manage scale insects, prune and destroy heavily infected areas and use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control the population.
