Overview
Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh. is a small tree or shrub native to South Africa and Zimbabwe. It is commonly known as the velvet currant, hairy karree, or basterkarree. This plant belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which includes cashew and mango trees.
Appearance
The velvet currant has alternate, compound leaves that are velvety to the touch. Its leaves are long, narrow, and have serrated margins. The tree or shrub can grow up to 4 meters tall and has a spread of about 2 meters. It produces small, greenish-white flowers from October to November, which give way to red, fleshy fruits that contain a single seed.
Uses
For centuries, various parts of the Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh. plant have been used for medicinal purposes. The bark and leaves of the tree have been used to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, as well as wounds and skin conditions. The fruits have been used to make a refreshing drink and have been used as a natural dye. The wood has been used for making furniture, fence posts, and tool handles. The plant's strong root system is also effective in erosion control and soil stabilization.
Light Requirements
Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh. thrives well under partial to full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day for proper growth and development. This plant generally does not tolerate shady conditions and may experience stunted growth or dieback if exposed to prolonged periods of low light intensity.
Temperature Requirements
This particular species of Rhus pubescens is well adapted to warm to hot temperatures, generally thriving in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. It prefers an average temperature range of 20-30°C, although it can tolerate temperatures as low as -2°C and as high as 40°C. Extreme weather events such as frost, heatwaves, and prolonged periods of drought may negatively impact the growth and survival of this plant.
Soil Requirements
Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh. is adaptable to different soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate slightly alkaline or slightly acidic soils, but highly acidic soils should be avoided. This plant is naturally drought-tolerant, but it requires regular watering during the first year of establishment. Once established, it can survive on natural rainfall with minimal supplementary watering.
Cultivation Methods:
Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh. thrives in full sun or partial shade. The plant is quite hardy, tolerating drought, frost, and wind. It prefers well-draining soil and does not do well in waterlogged soil.
Watering Needs:
The plant requires water when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant. In summer, when the weather is hot and dry, the plant may require more frequent watering. However, in winter, watering should be reduced.
Fertilization:
These plants respond well to fertilizer application with all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season. The demand for nutrients is relatively high in the spring and summer growing season, and during this time, fertilizer application should be increased. But during winter, it should be reduced.
Pruning:
The plant requires minimal pruning. You only need to remove dead or damaged limbs and prune back to the base on any suckers that emerge from the plant's roots. It is preferable to prune during winter dormancy to prevent the plant from expending energy on regrowth when it should be conserving it for the following growing season.
Propagation of Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh.
Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh. can be propagated by different methods. The most common way to propagate this plant is through seed propagation. However, vegetative propagation methods such as layering, cutting, and grafting can also be employed.
Seed propagation
To propagate Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh. from seeds, it is essential to collect mature fruits from the plant. The collected fruits should be air-dried and then broken open to harvest the seeds. The seeds should be soaked in warm water for a day or two before sowing them in well-drained soil. The ideal time for sowing these seeds is during the spring season when the weather is warmer. It usually takes between 2 to 3 months for the seeds to germinate.
Layering propagation
Layering propagation is another effective method of Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh. propagation. It involves the bending of a low-hanging branch and covering a portion of it with soil while still attached to the parent plant. The buried section of the branch soon produces roots, and once sufficient roots have formed, it can be separated and planted elsewhere to grow independently. This method is best done during the early spring season when the plant is more actively growing.
Cutting propagation
Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh. can also be propagated through cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from a healthy and mature plant, preferably during the early or late summer season. The cuttings should be around ten centimeters long and have at least two nodes. Submerge the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone for about a minute and then plant them in a well-drained medium. Keep the medium moist, and in a few weeks, the cutting should start to form roots.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is another viable method of propagating Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh., and this method is useful for cultivars with specific desirable traits. This method involves grafting a scion from the desired cultivar onto a rootstock from a related plant. The two sections are bound together to allow for the scion to receive nutrients and moisture from the rootstock. This method is usually done during the spring season when the plants are more active in their growth.
Disease Management for Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh.
Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh. is a hardy plant species that is resistant to many plant diseases. However, it is still susceptible to some diseases that can affect its health and growth. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf Blight
Leaf blight is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella berkeleyi, which infects the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn brown and fall off prematurely. To manage leaf blight, remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and ensure proper irrigation to prevent moisture buildup on the leaves.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by several fungal species, which appear as white powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage the disease, improve air circulation around the plant, reduce humidity, and use fungicides following label instructions.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by the soil-borne pathogen Phytophthora spp, which infects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and decay. To manage root rot, use well-draining soil, avoid overwatering and waterlogging, and remove and destroy infected plants.
Pest Management for Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh.
Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh. is also susceptible to some common plant pests that can feed on its leaves, stems, and flowers. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing distorted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other insecticides following label instructions, and encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other insecticides following label instructions, and physically remove and destroy visible insects.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and stippling of the foliage. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other miticides following label instructions, and improve air circulation and humidity to prevent infestations.
By following these management strategies, you can help keep your Rhus pubescens Thunb. var. uitenhagensis Eckl. & Zeyh. plant healthy and free from diseases and pests.
