Origin and Common Names
Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. is a plant species that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. The plant is commonly known by several names, including karee, kareeboom, and red karee.
General Appearance
The karee tree is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 9 meters tall and 30 centimeters in diameter. It has smooth, dark brown bark that peels in long strips. The leaves of the tree are compound and contain 4-6 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oval-shaped, dark green, and shiny on the upper surface, while the undersides are lighter in color. The tree produces small, yellow-green flowers that grow in clusters and give way to small, fleshy fruits that turn dark brown when ripe. The fruits are known as drupes and contain a single seed.
Uses
The karee tree has many practical uses. The wood of the tree is hard, heavy, and durable, making it a good source of timber for furniture, flooring, and construction. The bark and leaves of the tree have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, cuts, and diarrhea. The tree also has cultural significance and is used in traditional African rituals and ceremonies.
Additionally, the karee tree is important for its ecological value. It is a pioneer species, meaning it can grow in areas that have been disturbed by fire or other disturbances. The tree is also important for soil conservation and erosion control, as its roots can help stabilize soil on slopes and riverbanks.
Light Requirements
Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. is a plant that requires full sun exposure. This means that it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and thrive. It is not tolerant of shaded areas and should be grown in locations where it can receive ample sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. is a plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows optimally in warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. This plant can also tolerate low temperatures during the dry season.
Soil Requirements
Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant does not grow well in heavy soils or soils that are waterlogged. The soil pH for optimum growth of this species should be between 6.0 and 7.5. It is also important to note that this plant does not grow well in saline soils.
Cultivation Methods for Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern.
Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. is a drought-resistant and hardy plant that can grow in various soil types. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight to thrive. When planting, it is recommended to choose a location with good drainage and space for the plant to grow.
You can propagate this plant via seeds or cuttings. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist until they germinate. Cuttings taken from mature plants grow roots easily when placed in a mixture of soil and sand.
Watering Needs for Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern.
Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. is a drought-resistant plant that requires little watering during the growing season. Watering once every ten days or when the soil is dry to the touch is sufficient. However, ensure that the plant is well-watered during hot summer months.
When watering, avoid splashing the water on the leaves as this can cause fungal infections. Instead, water at the base of the plant using a watering can or a drip irrigation system.
Fertilization for Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern.
Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. can be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer once every six months. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure. Apply a layer of compost or manure around the base of the plant and gently work it into the soil.
Pruning for Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern.
Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. requires minimal pruning. However, prune the plant in late winter or early spring to shape it and promote vigorous growth.
Remove any dead or diseased branches and cut back the tips of the branches to encourage branching. Use pruning shears that are clean and sharp to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern.
Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation, softwood cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
The most commonly used method for propagating Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. is through seed propagation. The seeds can be directly sowed in the ground or in a container. The seeds need to be stratified before sowing to break the dormancy. The ideal time for sowing the seeds is in spring.
The seeds should be sown in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The container or the area where the seeds are sown should be kept moist until the seeds germinate.
Softwood cuttings
Softwood cuttings can also be used to propagate Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. The cuttings should be taken in the early summer when the new growth is still soft. The cutting should be approximately 4-5 inches long and should have at least 2-3 leaves.
The cutting should be stripped of leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be kept moist and the cutting should be kept in a shaded area until it roots.
Layering
Layering is another method that can be used to propagate Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. Layering involves bending a low-lying branch of the plant to the ground and covering it with soil. The area where the branch is covered with soil will eventually develop roots.
After a few months, the rooted section of the branch can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a new location. Layering is an effective method for creating new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management for Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern.
Like all plants, Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. is susceptible to diseases. Some notable diseases that often affect this plant are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spot, stem cankers, and defoliation. It is important to remove all infected plant parts and destroy them. Fungicides can be used to control the disease, but prevention is key.
- Crown gall: This bacterial disease causes swollen, distorted growth on the plant's crown or roots. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately. Preventing mechanical injury to the plant can help prevent this disease.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a powdery white substance to appear on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Fungicides can help control it, but removing infected plant parts and improving air circulation is also important for prevention.
Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent and manage plant diseases. It is important to remove any dead or diseased plant parts and maintain good sanitation practices.
Pest Management for Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern.
Rhus laevigata L. var. latifolia (Schönland) R.Fern. is susceptible to certain pests. Here are some common pests that affect this plant:
- Scale insects: These insects suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing, stunting, and leaf drop. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil applied directly to the insect.
- Spider mites: These small, sucking pests can cause severe damage to the plant by piercing the leaf surface and draining sap. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with water or applying insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: These tiny, flying insects can cause yellowing, stunted growth, and a honeydew secretion that can attract other pests and lead to fungal disease. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Regular inspections and early detection are important for pest management. Infested plant parts should be removed and destroyed immediately, and natural predators can be introduced to help control the pests. Chemical control should only be a last resort and should be done according to label instructions.
