Description of Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy, commonly known as slender karee or rust-brown karee, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family.
Origin
The slender karee is native to southern Africa, particularly in South Africa and Zimbabwe. It thrives in a variety of habitats, from savannas and bushvelds to woodlands and forest margins.
Common Names
Besides slender karee and rust-brown karee, this tree has several other common names, including red-fruited karee, large-leaved karee, and willow karee.
General Appearance
The slender karee can grow up to 12 meters tall, with a spreading canopy that can reach up to 8 meters wide. Its trunk can grow up to 50 centimeters in diameter with a pale-brown to grey, smooth bark. Its elliptical to obovate leaves can grow up to 14 centimeters long and 7.5 centimeters wide, with a shiny, dark-green appearance on the upper surface and a paler green color underneath. The tree blooms in the spring and produces small clusters of tiny white flowers that develop into small, bright red fruits that resemble cherries.
Uses
The slender karee has both medicinally and commercial uses. The bark and leaves can be used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as fever, diarrhea, and indigestion. The tree's wood is used in carpentry, turning, and cabinetry. It is also popular as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens due to its attractive appearance and ease of maintenance.
Light requirements
The Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy plant typically requires full sunlight to grow. It is a highly adaptable plant, which can grow in a range of environmental conditions. However, it shows optimal growth in full sunlight conditions. Hence, it is recommended to provide direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day to promote the growth of this plant.
Temperature requirements
The Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy plant is highly tolerant of different temperature ranges. It can grow in a range of temperature conditions ranging from 0°C to 40°C. However, the optimal temperature range for its growth is 20°C to 30°C. It is essential to ensure that the temperature does not go below 0°C as it can damage the plant's roots.
Soil requirements
The Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy plant grows best in well-drained soils. It thrives in soils that are rich in nutrients and have pH levels ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. The soil must be airy, loamy, and rich in organic matter. The plant can grow well in a variety of soils, including sandy, rocky, and clayey soils, as long as they are well-drained. However, it is best to avoid waterlogged soils as they can lead to root rot, affecting the plant's growth and health.
Cultivation Methods
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soils with full sun or partial shade. It is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. The plant can be propagated via seeds or cuttings. It is advisable to plant the seedlings in the garden during early spring, once the last frost has passed.
Watering Needs
While Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy is drought-resistant, young plants need regular watering until they establish themselves. Once established, the plant may require watering only once every two weeks or when the soil is dry. Overwatering the plant may lead to root rot, so it is advisable to keep the soil moderately dry.
Fertilization
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy does not require frequent fertilization. However, applying compost or well-rotted manure at the base of the plant annually will help improve soil fertility and keep the plant healthy. It is advisable to avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they may promote excessive foliar growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent pruning. Light pruning should be done once a year during early spring to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. It is essential to use sterilized pruning equipment to prevent the spread of diseases between plants. The plant may be pruned back severely if it grows too large or becomes unmanageable.
Propagation of Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy, commonly known as slender fruit, is a hardy shrub with pendulous branches and small green-yellow flowers. The plant is native to South Africa and is well adapted to both cold and hot climates. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis is through seed propagation. The seeds have a hard outer coat that needs to be scarified to allow water and air to penetrate the embryo. This can be done by nicking the seed coat with a sharp knife or rubbing it with sandpaper. Once scarified, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and watered regularly. The seedlings typically emerge in two to three weeks, and once they have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation by cuttings is another option for Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis. Hardwood cuttings taken in the autumn or winter can be used for this method. The cuttings should be approximately 10cm long with a diameter of about 0.5cm. Remove all the leaves except for the top two or three and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a well-draining soil mixture and water them regularly. Covering them with a clear plastic bag or placing them in a greenhouse can help to maintain humidity levels and promote root development. Once the cuttings have formed roots, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division propagation
Propagation by division is another method that can be used for Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis. This method involves dividing the mature plant into smaller sections that can grow into new plants. This is best done in the early spring, just as the plant is starting to come out of dormancy. Dig up the entire plant and carefully separate the sections, making sure that each section has a sufficient number of roots. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil mixture and water them regularly.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy, commonly known as slender karee, is a hardy plant that tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions. However, like other plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common ones and the ways to manage them:
Diseases
Crown Rot: This is a fungal disease caused by various pathogens that survive in soil. It attacks the plant's roots and crown, causing wilting, stunted growth, and eventually death. To manage this disease, it's essential to practice crop rotation, remove infected plants, and improve soil drainage and aeration. Applying fungicides on healthy plants can also help to prevent infection.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease is characterized by the appearance of black spots on leaves, stems, and fruits. The spots may coalesce and form large brown lesions that cause defoliation and reduced yields. To control anthracnose, it's essential to remove infected plant debris, prune affected parts, and avoid overhead watering. Applying copper-based fungicides on healthy plants can also help prevent infection.
Pests
Thrips: These tiny, winged insects feed on plant sap and cause silvering of leaves and distorted growth. Severe infestations can cause defoliation and stunted growth. To control thrips, it's essential to remove weeds and other debris that serve as their breeding grounds. Applying insecticidal soap, neem oil, or spinosad on affected plants can also reduce their numbers.
Scales: These insects attach themselves to the plant's stems and suck sap, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. They also produce honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of black sooty mold. To control scales, it's essential to prune affected parts and apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap on affected plants. Biological control agents like ladybugs and lacewings can also help reduce their numbers.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can help ensure that your Rhus pyroides Burch. var. gracilis (Engl.) Burtt Davy plants remain healthy and productive.
