Overview
Rhus lucens Hutch. is a shrub or small tree belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. It is commonly known as Flame Karee and originates from Southern Africa.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 5 meters tall and has a spreading crown with a diameter of 3-4 meters. Its bark is rough and dark brown with conspicuous lenticels. The leaves are compound with an odd number of leaflets, varying from 5-11, with margins that are smooth to coarsely toothed. In the autumn, the leaves turn to a beautiful bright red, hence its common name, Flame Karee. The flowers are greenish-yellow and borne in branched inflorescences. The plant also produces small, round, and reddish-brown fruits that contain one seed.
Uses
Rhus lucens Hutch. has several uses. Its fruit is edible and can be consumed raw or used to make tea. The plant's bark and roots are used for traditional medicine and contain tannins, which have been used for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and sore throat. The bark is also used to make a brown dye for clothes and mats. The plant is commonly grown for ornamental purposes due to its beautiful foliage and vibrant autumn colors. Additionally, Rhus lucens Hutch. has ecological significance. It is an important species for soil conservation and erosion control, as its extensive root system helps stabilize the soil under the plant’s crown.
Light Requirements
Rhus lucens Hutch. requires full to partial sun exposure to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and decreased flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Rhus lucens Hutch. is native to warm regions and requires warm temperatures to grow well. It prefers temperatures between 15 and 28°C (59 to 82°F) and can tolerate moderate frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be damaging to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Rhus lucens Hutch. prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it does not do well in soils that are constantly wet or waterlogged. The addition of organic matter to the soil can help improve drainage and soil fertility, which can in turn promote better growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation
Rhus lucens Hutch. is a hardy plant species that grows best in warm and dry climates. It is recommended to cultivate the plant in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The seeds of the plant can be sowed indoors and transplanted outside in the spring.
Watering Needs
Although Rhus lucens Hutch. can tolerate drought, regular watering is required during the first year of cultivation to ensure the plant establishes well. Once the plant is established, it may require watering during periods of extended droughts.
Fertilization
Rhus lucens Hutch. does not require regular fertilization. However, you may top-dress the soil with a slow-release organic fertilizer in the spring and fall to provide extra nutrients to the plant. Ensure that you do not over-fertilize, as this may harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning of Rhus lucens Hutch. should be done during the dormant season. The plant is usually pruned to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain its shape. Avoid pruning the plant during the growing period, as this may lead to excessive bleeding of sap. Also, when pruning the plant, ensure that you wear protective gloves, as the plant contains oils that can cause skin irritation.
Propagation of Rhus lucens Hutch.
Rhus lucens Hutch., also known as the shining sumac, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height. The plant is native to China and is characterized by its glossy dark green leaves that turn to a brilliant red in the fall. Propagation of Rhus lucens can be done through different methods including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Rhus lucens is through seed propagation. This method involves collecting mature fruits from the plant during the fall season. The collected fruits should be soaked in water for a few hours to soften the outer layer. The softened fruits can then be squeezed to remove the seed, which should be washed and air-dried before sowing. The seeds can be placed in moist seed-starting mix in a container and covered with a thin layer of soil. The container should be kept in a warm area with bright, indirect sunlight until the seedlings emerge.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Rhus lucens. This method involves taking cuttings from the plant during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should be about 10-15cm long. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed and the remaining leaves should be trimmed to reduce water loss. The cutting can then be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a container with a well-draining potting mix. The container should be kept in a warm, humid area with bright, indirect sunlight until roots develop.
Propagation of Rhus lucens through both seed and vegetative methods can be successful with proper care and attention. Seed propagation is a simple and cost-effective method while vegetative propagation allows for the production of plants that are identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management:
Rhus lucens Hutch. is susceptible to various fungal infections, including anthracnose, powdery mildew, and rust. Anthracnose, caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, leads to the development of small, dark spots on leaves and stem tissue of the plant, which turn into necrotic lesions. The application of a copper-based fungicide can help control this disease. Powdery mildew, caused by the fungal pathogen Podosphaera xanthii, causes powdery-white, light green, or yellow patches on the upper surfaces of leaves. To manage powdery mildew, chemical fungicides or cultural practices such as pruning to increase air circulation can be applied. Rust, caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia leucospermi, and is characterized by yellow-orange pustules on the undersides of leaves. The application of fungicides containing triazoles and strobilurins are effective against rust.
Pest Management:
The Rhus lucens Hutch. is prone to several insect pests, including the Rhus scale (Asteroides sp.), the shot-hole borer (Euwallacea sp.), and leaf-mining moths (various species). The Rhus scale feeds on plant sap, resulting in the yellowing and dropping of leaves and stems. The application of insecticides such as neonicotinoids or pyrethroids can help control Rhus scale. Shot-hole borers burrow into the stems and branches of Rhus lucens, causing cankers on the plant's surface. The application of insecticides or fungicides may also prevent wood-boring pests from infecting healthy stems. Leaf-mining moths cause caterpillars that feed on the upper and lower leaf surfaces, leaving trails or blotches. Use of insecticides containing spinosad, insecticidal soap, or natural predators such as parasitic wasps can be a good solution for leaf-mining moth pests.
