Origin of Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa (Schweinf.) Cufod.
Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa (Schweinf.) Cufod. is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. This plant species is native to southern Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Common Names of Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa (Schweinf.) Cufod.
This plant is commonly known as the African sumac or kudu berry, although other regional names exist. In South Africa, it is also called the gwarri tree, karee, or karreeboom, while in Zimbabwe, it is known as the mukarati.
Uses of Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa (Schweinf.) Cufod.
The African sumac has been traditionally used for various purposes. Its bark, leaves, and fruits contain tannins and other compounds that have medicinal properties. For instance, they are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, stomachitis, and fever. Other uses include treating rheumatism, warts, and wounds. The fruit of the plant is edible and can be eaten fresh or dried, although it has a sour taste and is not very palatable. Despite this, it is an important food source for wildlife, including kudus, baboons, and birds. Furthermore, the African sumac has ornamental value and is grown as a garden plant or roadside tree due to its attractive foliage and tolerance of drought and frost.
General Appearance of Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa (Schweinf.) Cufod.
The African sumac is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub that can reach a height of up to 10 meters. It has a dense, spreading canopy and an irregular, round shape. The leaves are pinnate, meaning they have multiple leaflets arranged on each side of a central stem. The leaflets are oblong, green, and glossy, with serrated edges. The flowers of the plant are small, greenish-yellow, and arranged in panicles that bloom in spring. The fruit is a round, fleshy drupe that turns from green to red or brown when ripe. It contains a hard seed and is about 1-2 centimeters in diameter.
Light Requirements
Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa (Schweinf.) Cufod. prefers full sun exposure, but it can also grow under partial shade conditions.
Temperature
The plant can withstand moderate to high temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. However, it can also tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows better in well-drained sandy loam soils with high organic matter content. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils and requires soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It can also tolerate soils with low fertility levels and can grow in slightly saline soils.
Cultivation Methods of Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa
Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-draining soils. Planting can be done in small groups or as a solitary specimen.
Propagation can be achieved through seeds, cuttings, or grafting. Sow the seeds in spring or summer, or take cuttings in late spring or early summer. Grafting can be done in spring or autumn with compatible rootstocks.
Watering Needs of Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa
Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa requires moderate watering during the growing season. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil dries out between watering sessions. During the dry season or prolonged drought, one deep watering once every two weeks should suffice. Avoid watering the plant during winter dormancy.
Fertilization of Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa
Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa does not require frequent fertilization and can thrive in nutrient-poor soils. However, if necessary, use a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio during the growing season. Apply as per package instructions, but avoid excessive fertilization, as it may lead to excessive vegetative growth or a reduction in fruit production.
Pruning of Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa
Prune Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa at the end of winter dormancy or the beginning of spring before new growth emerges. Pruning should aim to remove any dead or damaged wood. However, it is not necessary to prune the plant excessively unless you wish to shape it. Younger plants may benefit from light pruning to encourage bushier growth and a more compact habit.
When pruning, use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid any damages to the plant. After pruning, apply an all-purpose fertilizer to encourage new growth and promote overall plant health.
Propagation Methods for Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa (Schweinf.) Cufod.
Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa (Schweinf.) Cufod. can be propagated through a variety of methods including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the plant and sown in the soil during the spring season. The seeds need to be scarified before sowing to break their hard outer coating and allow water and nutrients to enter. After sowing, the seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination.
Cuttings
Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa (Schweinf.) Cufod. can also be propagated through cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken from the plant during the summer season, and they should be at least 10cm long with several nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in hormone powder and then placed into a well-draining potting mix.
Air Layering
Air layering is another useful method for propagating Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss var. macrocarpa (Schweinf.) Cufod. This method involves wounding a branch and then covering it with soil or sphagnum moss to promote the growth of new roots. Once rooted, the branch can be cut from the mother plant and planted in a new location.
Disease Management
Rhus natalensis is known to suffer from certain diseases, including:
- Crown and Root Rot: This disease is caused by various fungal organisms in the soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and brown discoloration of the leaves. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, ensure proper drainage, and remove and destroy infected plants.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes circular spots on the leaves that are brown with a yellow halo. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote good air circulation.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery film on the leaves, stems, and flowers of plants. To manage powdery mildew, apply a fungicide labeled for use on Rhus natalensis and maintain good air circulation.
Pest Management
Rhus natalensis can also be susceptible to several pests, including:
- Spider Mites: These pests cause stippling of the leaves and create webs. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects are sap-sucking pests that leave a sticky residue on the leaves. To manage scale insects, apply horticultural oil or neem oil to the plant.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can be a serious pest of Rhus natalensis as they can eat large sections of the leaves. To manage caterpillars, pick them off by hand or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide.
