Origin
Rhus lucida L. forma scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett, commonly known as the African shining sumac or Cape shiny wood, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to South Africa and Zimbabwe and can be found growing in dry forest and open woodland habitats.
Common Names
In addition to African shining sumac and Cape shiny wood, other common names for Rhus lucida L. forma scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett include monkey orange, tamboti, and marula. These names vary depending on the region and the language spoken by the local people.
Uses
The African shining sumac has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is known for its numerous medicinal properties. Its leaves and bark contain compounds that have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The bark of the plant is commonly used to treat fevers and headaches, while the leaves are used to treat colds, coughs, and respiratory infections.
The fruit of the African shining sumac is edible and has been used by local people for centuries. It is rich in Vitamin C and provides a valuable food source for animals in the wild. In addition to its medicinal and nutritional value, the wood of the African shining sumac is also highly valued for its durability and strength. It is used to make tools, weapons, and furniture.
General Appearance
The African shining sumac is a small to medium-sized tree, averaging between 5 to 15 meters in height. It has a rounded crown and can be either deciduous or evergreen depending on the region. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture that can help retain moisture. The flowers of the African shining sumac are small and yellow-green, while the fruit is a small, round, red or orange berry that is covered in small hairs. The bark of the tree is smooth and brown, and can be peeled in long strips.
Light Requirements
Rhus lucida L. forma scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett is a sun-loving plant that requires full sun for optimum growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but this will result in reduced growth and flowering. Therefore, it should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to South Africa and can survive in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers warm to hot temperatures and is not frost tolerant. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 18 and 30°C (64 and 86°F). Temperatures outside of this range can negatively affect growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Rhus lucida L. forma scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and rocky soils. The plant is adapted to low-nutrient soils and does not require fertilization. However, adding organic matter to the soil can improve soil structure and water-holding capacity.
Cultivation of Rhus lucida L. forma scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett
The Rhus lucida L. forma scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett is a drought-resistant plant that thrives in well-drained soils, making it perfect for xeriscaping. If you want to grow this plant, you should: 1. Choose a sunny spot: This species needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. 2. Prepare the soil before planting: Add compost or other organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient content. You can also mix sand into the soil to improve drainage. 3. Plant the tree: Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball and plant the tree so that the crown (the point where the roots meet the stem) is an inch above ground level. 4. Mulch: Add a 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, making sure to keep it away from the trunk. Mulch will help retain soil moisture, keep weed growth at bay, and gradually add nutrients back to the soil.
Watering Needs
The Rhus lucida L. forma scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require much watering, especially once it's established. During the first growing season, water deeply every two weeks, but only when the soil is dry to a depth of 2 inches. After the first year, you can reduce watering to only during prolonged droughts. Too much water can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
Fertilization
The Rhus lucida L. forma scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett doesn't require regular fertilization, but you can help it reach its full potential by adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil at the beginning of each growing season. Choose a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. Be sure to follow the package instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn the roots and damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning your Rhus lucida L. forma scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett isn't strictly necessary, but it can help keep the plant looking neat and healthy. If you notice any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, remove them as soon as possible. You can also prune your tree to shape it or to remove any crossing branches that might rub against one another and cause damage. The best time to prune this species is in late fall or early winter when the tree is dormant.
Propagation of Rhus lucida L. forma scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett
Rhus lucida L. forma scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett, commonly known as the winged sumac, can be propagated through various methods.
Seed propagation
Rhus lucida can be propagated through seeds. The seeds are readily available and can be harvested from mature fruits. The seeds require a period of stratification before they germinate. During stratification, the seeds are subjected to cool, moist conditions to break their dormancy. Sowing the stratified seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keeping them moist can result in germination within three to four weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they are large enough to handle.
Cuttings propagation
Rhus lucida can also be propagated through hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are taken from productive, disease-free mother plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be at least 8 inches long and have several nodes. The cuttings are then treated with rooting hormone before being stuck into a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shaded location until the roots have developed, which can take about six to eight weeks. Once the roots are developed, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots or in ground.
Division propagation
Rhus lucida can also be propagated through division of established clumps. It is important to ensure that the clump being divided is healthy and disease-free. The clumps are dug up and the individual plants are separated from the parent plant. The separated plants can then be potted in well-draining potting mix and cultivated in a shaded location until they develop roots.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering can also be used to propagate Rhus lucida. The process involves burying a small section of a low-hanging branch into soil or a potting mix. A wound is made on the buried section before being covered with soil or potting mix, which promotes the development of roots in the buried section. Once rooted, the section can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus lucida L. Forma Scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett
Rhus lucida L. forma scoparia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Moffett, commonly known as the Scarlet current tree, is a beautiful plant that is native to South Africa. Like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Therefore, it is essential to manage these issues to ensure that the plant is healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Rhus lucida is Anthracnose. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. The disease spreads rapidly during rainy seasons, and the affected leaves may fall prematurely. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune the infected twigs and branches and remove all fallen leaves. Additionally, apply fungicides to protect the unaffected parts of the tree from further damage.
Another disease that affects Rhus lucida is powdery mildew, which is caused by fungal pathogens. The disease causes grayish or white spots on the leaves, and their leaves begin to curl and drop. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure adequate airflow around the plant and reduce humidity levels. Also, avoid excessive fertilization or watering, as these conditions encourage the growth of the fungi. Regular use of fungicides is also effective in preventing the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
One of the most significant pests affecting Rhus lucida is the Fall Armyworm. The pest eats through the leaves and stems, causing significant damage to the plant. To manage the pest, handpick and destroy any visible worms and caterpillars. You can also use natural biological control agents, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is a bacteria that disrupts the digestive system of the worms.
Another pest that affects Rhus lucida is the spider mite, which is a tiny insect that feeds on the sap of the plant. The pest causes yellow or white spots on the leaves, causing the plants to become less productive. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with organic pesticides that target the pest. Also, regularly wash the leaves with soapy water, which helps to remove the pests and their eggs.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Rhus lucida is vital for the plant's health and productivity. You may need to use a combination of methods to achieve the desired results. Keep in mind that prevention is the best strategy, so regular monitoring and early intervention can help to reduce the severity of the diseases and pests.
