Origin
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett, is a plant native to southern Africa, specifically in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, commonly known as the sumac family.
Common Names
This plant has several common names in different regions, such as the African sumac, Cape sumac, and feverberry, among others. These names are derived from the plant's traditional medicinal uses in treating fever and other ailments.
Uses
The Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia is a versatile plant used for many purposes. The plant has medicinal value, and its bark and roots are used by traditional healers to treat various ailments, including fever, respiratory problems, and stomach complaints. The plant is also used in the production of a red dye, which is extracted from its leaves and bark. The dye is used for colouring leather and other textiles.
The plant is also attractive to birds, including the Cape white-eye, and it is an excellent plant for bird gardens.
General Appearance
The Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 5 meters tall. The leaves are green and glossy, and the plant produces small yellow-green flowers in the spring and summer months. The fruit of the plant is a small, red drupe containing a single seed. The plant has a graceful appearance, and its branches spread out in an attractive manner.
The Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia is adaptable to a range of growing conditions and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of drought once established and can grow in most soils. The plant is an excellent addition to gardens, and its medicinal uses and traditional dyeing properties make it an invaluable resource to local communities in southern Africa.
Typical Growth Conditions for Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett commonly known as African sumac, is a small to medium-sized, evergreen tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to Southern Africa and prefers dry, semi-arid regions with well-drained soils and low to moderate rainfall. Here are the typical growth conditions for Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett:
Light Requirements
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It tolerates partial shade but may grow poorly and produce fewer flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The species can withstand temperatures as low as -7°C and as high as 45°C. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Soil Requirements
The African sumac tree requires well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-8.5. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils as it may cause root rot, which can damage or kill the plant.
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett has a shallow root system that extends up to 50cm deep, and it can extract nutrients from the soil efficiently. Therefore, it responds well to soil fertilization, particularly with organic matter.
In conclusion, Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett is a versatile tree species that can grow in a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. However, it needs full sun exposure, well-drained soils, and warm temperatures to flourish.
Cultivation
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett is a hardy plant that can handle a range of growing conditions. It prefers a well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The plant benefits from a sunny location with some shade during the hottest part of the day. It can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers loamy soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers moderate watering frequency and good soil drainage. It should be watered less frequently in winter and more frequently in hot weather.
Fertilization
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett is not a heavy feeder and does not require a lot of fertilization. Adding some compost or slow-release fertilizer to the soil during planting can help the plant establish. If the foliage appears pale or stunted, a general-purpose fertilizer can be applied in early spring.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett plant. However, if pruning is required, it should be done in early spring while the plant is still dormant. The plant does not respond well to hard pruning, so it is best to trim back only dead or damaged stems and branches. Light pruning can also be done to keep the plant looking tidy.
Propagation of Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett, commonly known as flame thorn or shiny-leafed flame thorn, is a shrub that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. This plant is native to southern Africa and is well-known for its ornamental value. There are several methods that can be used to propagate Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia, including:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits and then dried for a few days. After drying, the seeds can be sown in trays filled with a well-draining soil mixture. The trays should be placed in a warm, bright location and kept moist. Germination can take anywhere from two weeks to several months.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia. Softwood cuttings should be taken from the plant during the growing season, ensuring that each cutting has at least two nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a bright, warm location.
Suckers propagation
Suckers can also be used to propagate Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia. Suckers are young shoots that emerge from the base of the plant. These can be carefully dug up and replanted in a well-draining soil mixture. The new plants should be kept moist and placed in a bright, warm location.
Once established, Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia is a relatively low maintenance plant that can be enjoyed for its ornamental value.
Disease Management
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett is generally a hardy plant, but there are a few diseases that may affect it:
- Crown Gall. This is caused by the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens and results in the formation of tumors or galls on the plant stem or root. To prevent this, ensure that the plant is not wounded during planting or transplanting, and avoid planting near other plants that may be affected by crown gall.
- Leaf spot. This is characterized by the appearance of circular brown or black spots on the plant leaves. To prevent this, ensure that the plant is not overcrowded, and avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness. Fungicides may also be used to control leaf spot.
- Anthracnose. This is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and results in the formation of sunken lesions on the plant leaves, stems, and fruits. To prevent this, ensure that the plant is not overcrowded, and avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness. Fungicides may also be used to control anthracnose.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease and to remove any infected plant parts immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Rhus pyroides Burch. var. integrifolia (Engl.) Moffett may also be affected by a few pests:
- Mites. These tiny pests feed on the plant tissue and cause yellowing or bronzing of the leaves. To control mites, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant leaves.
- Scale insects. These pests attach themselves to the plant and suck the sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To control scale insects, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant leaves.
- Caterpillars. These pests feed on the plant leaves and can cause significant damage. To control caterpillars, handpick them from the plant or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to the plant leaves.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of pests and to take action immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading to other plants.
