Origin
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett, commonly known as Codd's karee, is a woody shrub that is indigenous to South Africa. It is mostly found growing in the dry and semi-arid regions of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa in rocky areas and on slopes.
Common Names
In addition to Codd's karee, this plant is also known by other common names such as rocky karee, Codd's mountain karee, and Magalisberg karee.
Uses
Traditionally, various parts of the Rhus magalismontana plant are used for medicinal purposes. The roots and bark are known to possess antimicrobial properties and are used to make herbal remedies to treat stomach ailments, diarrhea, and dysentery. The leaves and twigs were used for making tea, which is believed to be an effective remedy for colds and flu.
The plant is also used for its ornamental and horticultural value. Its attractive leaves and small flowers make it a popular choice for landscaping in arid regions. Additionally, it is resistant to drought and is an excellent plant for soil stabilization in areas that are prone to erosion.
General Appearance
Codd's karee is a densely branched shrub that can grow up to three meters tall and have a spread of up to two meters. The plant has a rounded crown and produces a profusion of small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom from August to November. The leaves are pinnately compound and are often hairy. The bark is gray, rough, and fissured, and the roots are deep and extensive. The fruit of this plant is a small, fleshy, red drupe that is attractive to birds and other wildlife.
Growth Conditions for Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii
Light:
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii requires full sunlight to grow properly. Partial shade may cause poor growth and development, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields. Young plants should be protected from direct sunlight until they become established.Temperature:
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C and 35°C. However, the plant can withstand temperatures as low as -5°C and as high as 45°C for short periods.Soil:
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant prefers soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be loamy or sandy, and it should be free from rocks and other debris that can inhibit root development. The plant is adapted to grow in shallow or rocky soils. However, it is susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.Water:
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii requires regular watering during the growing season. The plant prefers moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot and the onset of fungal diseases. In areas with high rainfall, supplemental watering may not be necessary.Fertilizer:
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii does not require a lot of fertilizer to grow. However, a small amount of organic fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to support growth and development. Fertilizer should be applied sparingly to avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.Propagation:
Propagation of Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii can be done through seed or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants and rooted in a well-draining potting mix. Rooting hormone can be used to increase the success rate of propagation.Cultivation Methods
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett is a drought-tolerant plant, which is well suited for cultivation in arid areas. The best time to plant this species is during the early spring or fall. The plant requires a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is essential to provide the plant with ample sunlight to ensure optimal growth.
Watering Needs
The watering needs for Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett are moderate. The plant requires regular watering during the initial stages of growth to establish the root system. However, once the plant is established, it can survive long periods of drought. It is recommended to water the plant deeply but infrequently.
Fertilization
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of slow-release fertilizer during the growing season is sufficient to sustain growth. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett. It is recommended to prune during the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged wood, and cut back any branches that are growing too long or out of shape. Pruning will also help improve air circulation around the plant and prevent disease.
Propagation of Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett can be propagated by various methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett can be directly sown in the soil, or in seed trays. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring season. The soil should be well-draining and should have a pH between 6 to 7. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and should be kept moist until germination occurs. Germination usually occurs within 3-4 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the early spring season. Choose a healthy stem and take a cutting around 10-15 cm long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil, preferably a mix of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade until the new roots start to form.
Division propagation
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett can also be propagated by dividing the rootball. This is a suitable method for mature plants that have an established root system. The best time to divide the plant is during the spring season. Dig up the plant and divide the rootball into several sections with a sharp knife. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil with the same depth as they were previously planted.
Overall, Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett can be propagated easily using different methods. The propagation method mostly depends upon availability and personal preference.
Disease Management
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett is a hardy plant that can tolerate certain diseases. However, it is still susceptible to certain diseases and requires proper management to prevent damage to the plant.
One common disease is powdery mildew, which can cause a white, powdery substance to appear on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to increase air circulation around the plant and water at the base of the plant instead of from the top. It is also important to remove any infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be effective in managing powdery mildew.
Another disease that may affect the plant is anthracnose, which causes black spots on the leaves and stems. Pruning the affected parts of the plant and disposing of them properly can help manage anthracnose. Fungicides can also be used to prevent further infections.
Pest Management
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett is also susceptible to certain pests, which can cause damage to the plant if left unmanaged. One common pest is the Japanese beetle, which can eat the leaves of the plant and cause significant damage. To manage this pest, it is important to remove any beetles found on the plant by hand and dispose of them properly. Insecticides can also be effective in managing Japanese beetles.
Another pest that may affect the plant is the spider mite, which can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to increase humidity around the plant and remove any affected leaves. Insecticidal soap can also be used to manage spider mites.
Overall, proper disease and pest management is essential to the health and vitality of Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. coddii (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) Moffett. Regular inspection of the plant and prompt action to manage any issues that arise can help ensure a healthy and thriving plant.
