Overview: Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh.
Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh. is a deciduous shrub belonging to the family Anacardiaceae, commonly known as the karree, karee, or African sumac. The plant is native to the dry regions of Southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. The shrub grows in a variety of soils, including sandy and rocky areas.
Appearance:
Rhus refracta is a multi-stemmed shrub with a spreading growth habit, reaching a height of up to 4 meters. It has a rounded or irregular crown with a spread of up to 5 meters. The bark of the shrub is grey-brown and smooth, while the leaves are divided into 3-5 narrow, linear leaflets. The leaflets are light green during the growing season, turning yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The shrub produces small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers and clusters of small, brown fruit in the fall.
Uses:
The Rhus refracta shrub has multiple uses. The bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including sore throats, diarrhea, and tuberculosis. The leaves are also used as a natural dye for textiles. The fruit of the shrub is edible and is used in the production of a sour beverage. The wood of the shrub is dense and is used for fuel, charcoal production, and in the construction of fences and huts.
The Rhus refracta shrub is also used in landscaping as it is a hardy plant that is drought-tolerant and able to grow in a variety of soil types. It can be used as a windbreak, a screen, or as a specimen plant in gardens.
Growth Conditions for Rhus Refracta Eckl. & Zeyh.
Light Requirements: Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh. typically grows in full sun to partial shade. The plant thrives in a sunny location but can also tolerate some shade. In areas with extreme heat, it is best to provide afternoon shade to prevent the plant from drying out.
Temperature Requirements: Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh. is native to regions with a Mediterranean climate. The plant thrives in warm temperatures but is also able to tolerate some frost. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 15°C to 25°C. The plant is able to withstand high temperatures but may require extra watering during heatwaves.
Soil Requirements: Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh. prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The plant is able to tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. The plant is adapted to low-nutrient soils and does not require much fertilizer. However, adding compost or organic matter to the soil can help improve its fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh., commonly known as the ‘karreebos’, is a low-growing shrub native to South Africa. It is highly adaptable and can be grown in a variety of soils, from sandy to clayey, acidic to alkaline. It is a sun-loving plant and requires at least six hours of sunlight daily. The best time to plant is in spring or autumn, when the soil temperature is above 15°C.
Watering Needs
As this plant is native to areas with low rainfall, it is drought-tolerant and doesn't require frequent watering. However, young plants need sufficient water until they establish a strong root system. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh. doesn't require frequent fertilization as it is adapted to poor soils. However, if necessary, fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer once a year during the spring season. Avoid using too much nitrogen as it can encourage foliage growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning
Pruning should be done during the late winter or early spring season. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and prune to create a uniform shape. Pruning also helps to encourage flowering and maintain the plant's size. As this plant is known to produce suckers, it may require regular maintenance pruning to keep it in shape.
Propagation Methods for Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh.
Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh., commonly known as wild currant or the karree, is a shrub that is indigenous to southern Africa. Propagation is the process of reproducing the plant. The following are the methods used to propagate Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a common method of reproducing Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh. Seeds can be collected from the plant, and the dried fruit can be removed from the seeds. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining, fertile soil mix. They should be sown 1-2 cm deep. Germination will occur in 4-6 weeks at temperatures ranging from 18 to 28 °C. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Softwood Stem Cuttings
Softwood stem cuttings are a method of reproducing Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh. that is often used when propagation from seed is not successful. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is soft and flexible. The cuttings should be 7-10 cm long and should be taken from the tip of the branch. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining, fertile soil mix. They should be placed in a bright, warm area and kept moist until they develop roots. Root development occurs within 4-6 weeks, and once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Hardwood Stem Cuttings
Hardwood stem cuttings are another method of reproducing Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in late autumn or winter when the plant is dormant. Cuttings should be taken from the previous season's growth. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should be taken from the middle of the branch. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining, fertile soil mix and kept moist until they develop roots. Root development takes longer with hardwood cuttings, usually 8-12 weeks. Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh.
Rhus refracta Eckl. & Zeyh., commonly known as the Karoo Karee or African Sumac, is a resilient plant that can survive droughts and harsh conditions. However, it is still susceptible to some diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Rhus refracta is Powdery Mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. It can stunt the plant's growth and reduce its vigor. To manage Powdery Mildew, it's recommended to prune infected parts of the plant and use fungicides such as sulfur or copper-based solutions.
Bacterial Leaf Spot is another common disease affecting Rhus refracta. As the name suggests, this bacterial disease causes dark, water-soaked spots on the leaves. Infected leaves can turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage Bacterial Leaf Spot, it's recommended to prune and dispose of infected leaves and to use copper-based fungicides.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests affecting Rhus refracta is the scale insect. These small insects attach themselves to the stems, leaves, and branches of the plant, sucking the sap and weakening the plant. To manage scale insects, it's recommended to prune and dispose of infected plant parts and to use insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps.
Caterpillars are another pest that can affect Rhus refracta, damaging its leaves and reducing its growth. To manage caterpillars, it's recommended to pick them off by hand or use insecticides that are safe for use on the plant.
Ants can also be an issue with Rhus refracta, as they can protect and transport other pests such as aphids. To deter ants, it's recommended to use sticky barriers or insecticides that are safe for use on the plant.
Overall, it's important to regularly inspect Rhus refracta for any signs of disease or pests so that appropriate management measures can be taken. Maintaining healthy soil and providing proper irrigation and nutrition can also help to prevent issues and promote the plant's overall health.
