Origin
Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland, commonly known as Mountain Karee, is a plant species that is native to South Africa, specifically the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.
Common Names
Mountain Karee is known by a variety of names including Gewone taaibos, blinkblaar-karee and mountain currant.
General Appearance
The shrub or small tree typically grows up to 6 meters in height and 5 meters in crown. It has a dense, rounded canopy with attractive small shiny leaves that help to repel water. Its deciduous leaves, which appear after spring blooms have fallen, are simple and trifoliate, meaning each leaf has three leaflets that are arranged opposite each other. The plant's branches are thin, flexible and prone to bending or breaking. The flowers of the Mountain Karee are small, yellow and fragrant, and bloom in spring and early summer.
Uses
The Mountain Karee plant is used for a variety of purposes. The flowers provide a food source for bees during the flowering period, while the fruits and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Additionally, the plant is an excellent ornamental plant that is often used for landscaping purposes, particularly in the dry regions of South Africa, such as the Karoo and the Western Cape. When crushed, the leaves and bark produce a resinous scent which is used as a natural mosquito repellant.
Light Requirements
Rhus lucida var. outeniquensis requires full sun exposure to grow well and maintain its optimal growth rate. It is not well-adapted to grow in shaded or partially shaded conditions, as it requires high levels of light intensity to support photosynthesis and metabolic processes.
Temperature Requirements
The plant's growth is highly dependent on temperature, which must be within its optimum range to support growth. It can tolerate moderate temperatures and moderate to high humidity, but it is not frost tolerant. Ideal temperatures for growth and development range between 20°C to 30°C, and it prefers a minimum temperature of 15°C. The plant can be damaged if temperatures exceed 40°C for extended periods.
Soil Requirements
Rhus lucida var. outeniquensis prefers well-drained soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.0-7.8). It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter, and the growth rate declines in nutrient-poor soils. The plant prefers moderate soil moisture but can tolerate brief periods of drought. The root system is shallow, spreading laterally to about twice the height of the plant, making it susceptible to damage from strong winds.
Cultivation Methods for Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland
Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland, commonly known as the Outeniqua red currant, is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5 meters tall. It is native to South Africa and prefers full sun to partial shade. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, but it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Watering Needs for Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland
Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland prefers moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter. Ensure that the soil does not dry out completely between waterings as this can cause stress to the plant.
Fertilization for Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland
Fertilize Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Do not over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth, and reduce the plant's resistance to diseases and pests. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label and avoid fertilizing in the winter.
Pruning for Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland
Prune Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also prune to shape the plant, but avoid cutting back more than 1/3 of the plant's growth in a season, as this can weaken the plant and reduce flowering. Use sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation methods of Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland
Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland, commonly known as the Outeniqua karee or Cape karee, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, endemic to South Africa. It is a popular garden tree due to its attractive glossy green leaves and showy clusters of yellow flowers.
Propagation by seed
The Outeniqua karee can be propagated through seeds collected from the female trees. The seeds should be collected when the pods are dry and should be planted immediately after harvesting. The seeds are generally sown in well-draining soil and should be kept moist. Germination can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks with temperatures averaging around 20°C.
Propagation by cuttings
The Outeniqua karee can also be propagated through hardwood cuttings taken during the dormant season. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy trees and should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist. With proper care, the cuttings can develop roots within 2-3 months.
Propagation by layering
Propagation by layering is another method that can be used for Outeniqua karee. In this method, a branch of the tree is bent down and pinned to the ground. The part of the branch that is in contact with the soil will form roots within 3-4 months. Once the roots have formed, the branch can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted into a new location. This method is commonly used for propagating the Outeniqua karee as it ensures that the new tree maintains the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland
Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland is a species of plant that is commonly found in South Africa. While it is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant, it can still be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the common issues you might encounter with Rhus lucida, as well as some suggestions for managing them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Rhus lucida is root rot. This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet soil conditions. To avoid this issue, it is important to make sure your plant is growing in well-draining soil and that it is not over-watered. If you do notice signs of root rot, such as wilting leaves or yellowing foliage, you may need to consider using a fungicide to control the issue.
Another disease that can affect Rhus lucida is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, try to avoid getting water on the leaves of the plant when watering. You can also use a fungicide to control the issue.
Pests
The most common pest that affects Rhus lucida is the scale insect. Scale insects are small, hard-shelled insects that can attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant. To control scale insects, you can use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to suffocate the insects. You can also try physically removing them with a soft brush or cloth.
Another pest that can affect Rhus lucida is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap out of the leaves of the plant. To manage spider mites, you can use a miticide to kill the mites. You can also try spraying the plant with water to knock them off, or introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to the area.
Overall, with proper care and attention, Rhus lucida L. var. outeniquensis (Szyszyl.) Schönland can thrive without succumbing to pests and diseases. By following these tips and staying vigilant for signs of issues, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful plant for years to come.
