Origin and common names
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. magalismontana, also known as Mountain Karee, is a shrub or small tree species that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to southern Africa, particularly in the provinces of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, as well as in Zimbabwe and Lesotho. The plant is commonly known by its vernacular names, including African sumac, mountain karee, and bergkaree.
Appearance
Mountain Karee is a deciduous plant that can grow up to 5 meters tall, usually with one or a few trunks. It has a rounded or spreading crown, with an irregular shape due to its slender and crooked branches. The leaves of the plant are simple and alternately arranged on the stem, with a glossy green color and an elliptical or lanceolate shape. The flowers of Mountain Karee are small and yellow-greenish in color, and they are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit of the plant is a small, red drupe that contains a single seed.
Uses
Mountain Karee has several uses in traditional medicine and agriculture. The plant has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, and it is used to treat various diseases and ailments. The bark and leaves of the plant are commonly used in infusions, decoctions, and poultices to relieve fever, headaches, and respiratory infections. The fruit of Mountain Karee is also edible, and it is sometimes used to flavor drinks and sauces. In agriculture, the plant is valued for its nitrogen-fixing ability and its tolerance to drought and poor soils. It is often used in reforestation projects, erosion control, and as a shade tree for livestock.
Light Requirements
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. magalismontana requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may not develop as well or produce as much fruit.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to temperate climates and can survive in a range of temperatures. In general, it can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C and up to 30°C. However, it grows best in temperatures between 20°C and 25°C.
Soil Requirements
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. magalismontana prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. It can tolerate some drought but does best in soils with consistent moisture. It can grow in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils, but prefers fertile loamy soils.
Cultivation Methods
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. magalismontana is best cultivated in areas with a warm, dry climate. It is a hardy plant that can endure harsh conditions, making it ideal for areas that experience little rainfall. It is a slow-growing plant, so it requires patience and time to reach its full potential. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it grows well in rocky or sandy soils that provide good drainage. Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. magalismontana can be propagated from cuttings or seeds.
Watering Needs
Watering this plant can be tricky, as it is sensitive to overwatering. The plant prefers dry soil, so it is best to water it sparingly. During the summer months, the plant will require more frequent watering, but be careful not to water it too much. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant only when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilization
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. magalismontana does not require frequent fertilization. An occasional dose of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can be beneficial. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause the plant to grow too quickly and become weak and prone to disease.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the health of the plant, but it can help to shape it and promote new growth. The best time to prune Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. magalismontana is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back any old growth to encourage new shoots to emerge. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when pruning, as the plant produces a resin that can irritate the skin.
Propagation of Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. magalismontana
Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. magalismontana can be propagated by various methods including seed propagation, cutting, and transplantation. Each of these methods has its own requirements and advantages.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is the most common method used for Rhus magalismontana. The seeds can be obtained from mature fruits of the Rhus magalismontana tree. Once the seeds have ripened, they fall to the ground and can easily be collected.
The seeds must be carefully cleaned of their flesh and stored in a cool, dry place until planting. They require stratification for successful germination, which means that they need to be exposed to a period of cold temperature before planting.
After stratification, the seeds can be planted in individual containers with moist soil and kept in a warm, humid environment. With adequate watering and care, the seeds will germinate within a few weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation involves taking a piece of the Rhus magalismontana plant and rooting it to grow into a new plant. It is usually done in early spring.
The cuttings are taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be about 6 inches in length. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be trimmed and the remaining ones should be cut in half to reduce water loss.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a pot with moist soil, covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity, and kept in a warm place with indirect sunlight. After a few weeks, once roots have developed, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Transplantation
Rhus magalismontana can also be propagated through transplantation. This method involves digging up a young, healthy plant and moving it to a new location.
Before transplantation, the plant should be thoroughly watered and the soil around it should be loosened. The plant should be carefully dug up, taking care not to damage its roots.
The new location should be prepared by digging a hole a few inches wider and deeper than the plant's root system. The soil should be enriched with organic matter, and then the plant should be carefully placed in the hole and covered with soil.
The plant should be watered immediately after transplantation and kept moist for the next few weeks until it becomes established.
Disease Management
The Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. magalismontana plant is prone to several diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. The following are some of the common diseases that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Bacterial Leaf Spot
This disease is caused by Xanthomonas campestris and affects the leaves of the plant. The infected leaves will have small water-soaked lesions that turn yellow, and the leaf tissue will eventually die. To manage this disease, remove and destroy all infected plant material, avoid overhead watering, and provide good air circulation.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by fungi and can cause white or gray powder-like growth on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant. This disease can reduce plant growth and yield. To control this disease, prune affected plant parts, and maintain good air circulation. In severe cases, fungicides may be required.
Phytophthora Root Rot
This disease is caused by a fungus-like organism and can cause root decay, resulting in wilt and death of the plant. To prevent this disease, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. If the plant is infected, remove and destroy all affected plant material.
Pest Management
The Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. magalismontana plant is also susceptible to pest attacks. The following are some of the common pests that can affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant. This can cause the leaves to curl and distort, and the plant growth can become stunted. To control aphids, remove them manually or wash them off the plant with a strong jet of water. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or oil may be required.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause leaf discoloration and a fine webbing on the plant. They suck sap from the leaves, causing them to dry out and drop. To manage spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and increase the humidity around the plant. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or miticides may be required.
Thrips
Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the flowers and leaves of the plant. They can cause discoloration, deformation, and scarring of the plant tissue. To control thrips, remove and destroy all affected plant material, and use sticky traps to prevent them from spreading.
By practicing good disease and pest management techniques, you can help ensure the health and productivity of your Rhus magalismontana Sond. subsp. magalismontana plant.
