Origin
Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg is a plant that is native to the African continent, particularly in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family which includes cashews, mangoes, and pistachios.
Common Names
This plant is known by various names including African sumac and the elephant tree. In its native countries, local communities commonly refer to it as "Esho" which means firewood in Amharic language and "Kuli" in Afar language.
Uses
The plant has various medicinal properties, and it is utilized by native communities in different ways. Its bark is traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, while the leaf extracts are used to manage skin diseases and infections. Additionally, its dried branches and leaves are used as fuel to start a fire since it contains natural oils that burn easily.
General Appearance
The African sumac is a tree that can grow to a height of up to 6m. It has a small, dense crown that is composed of compound leaves consisting of three leaflets. The tree produces small greenish-yellow flowers that are followed by clusters of red fruit. Its bark is dark gray and rough to the touch.
Light Requirements
Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg prefers bright and indirect sunlight. It is recommended to keep them in a partially shaded or sheltered location to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range suitable for Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg is between 10°C and 25°C. It is essential to protect this plant variety from frost as it cannot survive in freezing conditions. Thus, it is necessary to ensure that the plant is placed in a warm environment, especially during the winter season.
Soil Requirements
Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg require well-drained slightly acidic to neutral soil. The soil should be crumbly and fertile, capable of retaining moisture but not waterlogged. Sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 5.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant species. It is recommended to apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil twice a year to ensure optimal growth.
Cultivation
Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, the seeds can be sown in small pots with well-draining soil and must be kept moist until the germination. For cuttings, take stem cuttings from the young and green branches. The cuttings can be propagated in early spring or summer. Rhus polyneura prefers the well-draining soil with organic matter. It prefers partial shade to full sunlight.
Watering Needs
Rhus polyneura requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. Water needs may vary with the climate and seasonal changes. Generally, the plant prefers slightly moist soil. However, avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. Water the plant only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Rhus polyneura doesn't require too much fertilization. However, applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer once in two to three months could help promote healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing the plant in the winter season.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Rhus polyneura. However, it can be pruned in early spring to promote bushier growth. Remove dead or diseased branches and cut back to a healthy growth node. The plant may also be pruned to manage its size and shape.
Propagation of Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg
Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg, commonly known as Sumac, is an ornamental plant that can be propagated by various means. The methods of propagation include seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods of propagating Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring season when the temperature is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate. It is important to note that the germination of Sumac seeds can be slow, taking up to several months.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg. Cuttings should be taken during the summer season when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from the stem tips of the plant and should be at least six inches in length. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until they root, which usually takes around six to eight weeks.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagating Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg. This method is usually used for rare and exceptional cultivars. Grafting is also used to propagate the plant onto a different rootstock to improve its growth and disease resistance. The best time to graft is in the spring season when the plant is actively growing. The scion should be carefully selected, and any diseased or weak scion should be avoided. The scion and rootstock should be joined appropriately, and the graft should be sealed with grafting wax.
Disease Management
Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg is generally a healthy plant that does not suffer from any significant diseases. However, it may be susceptible to some fungal species, especially when the plant is stressed or grown in unfavorable environmental conditions. To manage these potential diseases, it's essential to maintain healthy soil and manage watering practices.
Leafspot is a common fungal disease that may affect Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg. The disease appears as small, circular brown spots on the leaves. To manage the disease, it's essential to remove all infected plant material and improve air flow by pruning the plant. In severe cases, using fungicides may be necessary.
Pest Management
Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg is generally not significantly affected by pests. However, some pests may appear and cause damage to the plant. One of such pests is scale insects, which may suck sap from the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
To manage scale insects, it's essential to regularly inspect plants, especially the undersides of leaves, to detect the presence of the pest. Pruning infested branches may help get rid of the pests. For severe infestations, using insecticides may be necessary. Alternatively, the introduction of natural predators such as ladybirds may help reduce the population of scale insects.
Caterpillars are another pest that may occasionally attack Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg. They may chew through the leaves, causing significant damage. Handpicking the caterpillars and using insecticides may help manage the pest.
Overall, proper management practices, including maintaining healthy soil and pruning, can help prevent the occurrence and spread of pests and diseases in Rhus polyneura Engl. & Gilg var. hylophila Engl. & Gilg.
