Overview:
Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. commonly known as Kweba is a woody plant belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 3 meters tall.
Origin:
Kweba is native to the eastern part of Southern Africa, specifically in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It is mostly found in the highlands and mountainous regions of these countries.
Common names:
Aside from Kweba, Rhus kwebensis is also known by other common names such as African sumac, mountain karee, and Cape sumac.
Uses:
The plant has several uses. The leaves and bark are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, while the wood is used for fuel and making furniture. The fruits can be used to make a refreshing drink and the bark can be used to make a yellowish-brown dye. In addition, Rhus kwebensis is used in land restoration programs due to its ability to reduce soil erosion and improve soil fertility.
General appearance:
Rhus kwebensis has dark green leaves that are alternately arranged on the stem. The leaves are pinnately compound, meaning they have multiple leaflets attached to a central stalk. The fruit is a small, round drupe that turns from green to reddish-brown as it matures. The bark is grayish-brown and rough, with prominent vertical ridges. The plant also produces small, yellow flowers in clusters, which later develop into the fruit.
Growth Conditions of Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br.
Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. is a woody plant species native to southwestern Africa and is commonly known as kweba. The plant prefers to grow in full sun and well-draining soils. It can tolerate a range of temperatures, but its growth is optimal within a specific range of conditions.
Light Requirements
The kweba plant requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and reproduction. In low light conditions, the plant may grow slower and produce fewer flowers and fruits. It is, therefore, necessary to plant Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. in an area that receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The kweba plant can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best within a specific range of conditions. The ideal temperature range for Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. is between 15°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C can cause stress to the plant and hinder its growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The kweba plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils. However, the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils and may die due to root rot or other fungal infections. It is advisable to add organic matter, such as compost or manure, to the soil before planting Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. This will improve soil fertility and water-holding capacity.
Cultivation methods
Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. is an evergreen plant that is indigenous to Southern Africa and grows optimally in subtropical and tropical zones that have average temperatures of 21-27 degrees Celsius. This plant thrives in areas that have well-drained soils with a pH of 6-7. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils that have organic matter, and require exposure to sunlight. When cultivating Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br., it is essential to plant it in an area that receives enough sunlight, which facilitates photosynthesis and proper growth.
Watering needs
It is crucial to water Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. plant regularly. However, ensure not to overwater it since wet grounds reduce soil drainage and lead to root rot. The best time to water the plant is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimize water loss via evaporation. During the active growth phase, it is recommended to water the plant once in two weeks to avoid waterlogging. For mature plants, you can water them once a month.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential for the proper growth and development of Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. plants. Fertilizers can either be organic or inorganic. Inorganic fertilizers can provide nutrients at a fast rate while organic fertilizer enriches soil fertility. It is essential to apply the fertilizer when the plant is actively growing to ensure maximum nutrient absorption. During the growing season, it is ideal to fertilize the plant every six weeks with a balanced low nitrogen, high potassium, and phosphorus feed.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in shaping the outlook of Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. and facilitating aeration to prevent fungal diseases and insect infestation. During late winter to early spring, it is recommended to prune the plant, especially the old and weak branches. Cut off the branches that appear diseased, damaged, or outliers since they consume the plant's resources and slow down growth. With sufficient pruning, you can expect new growth in the upcoming growing season.
Propagation of Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br.
Propagation is an important aspect of plant culturing and management in botany, and Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. is not an exception. The plant can be propagated through different methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a common method used to propagate Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. The seeds are collected from mature fruits and then dried in the shade. After drying, the seeds are then sown in trays or pots containing suitable soil. The soil must be kept moist, and germination usually occurs within 3 to 4 weeks. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots for further growth.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves the use of vegetative plant parts, such as stems, leaves, and roots, to propagate a plant. Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. can be propagated through stem cuttings, which involves cutting a stem from the plant and placing it in suitable soil or rooting hormone. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm environment until rooting occurs, which usually occurs within 4 to 6 weeks. After rooting, the new plant can be transplanted to individual pots for further growth.
Grafting
Grafting is another method used to propagate Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. and involves joining the stem of the plant to the root of another compatible plant. The root used for grafting is usually a more robust and disease-resistant species that can support the growth of the Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. scion. After the grafting process, the plant should be kept in a warm and humid environment until the graft has taken hold, which usually takes several weeks. The new plant can then be transplanted to a suitable growth medium for further growth.
Disease Management
Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. is susceptible to various diseases such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These diseases can cause severe damage to the plant and even death if not managed properly.
To manage anthracnose, the infected parts of the plant should be removed and destroyed immediately. Fungicides such as copper-based products can be applied to protect the plant and prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew can be managed by maintaining proper air circulation and reducing humidity around the plant. Additionally, fungicides containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate can be applied to prevent or control the disease.
Leaf spot can be managed by removing infected foliage and practicing good sanitation practices. Fungicides containing copper or chlorothalonil can also be applied to manage the disease.
Root rot can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering. The use of fungicides such as azoxystrobin can also be effective in managing the disease.
Pest Management
Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br. is also prone to attacks by pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and caterpillars. These pests can cause damage to the plant by feeding on its foliage and weakening its overall health.
To manage spider mites, the plant should be regularly sprayed with water to remove the pests. Insecticidal soap or oil can also be applied to control the infestation.
Scale insects can be managed by physically removing them from the plant or using horticultural oil to suffocate the pests. Additionally, biological control methods such as introducing natural predators can also be effective.
Caterpillars can be manually removed from the plant and destroyed. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can also be applied to control caterpillar infestations.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of pest infestation and prompt action will help manage pests before they cause substantial damage to Rhus kwebensis N.E.Br.
