Overview
Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland is a small tree or a large shrub that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is commonly known as Shortleaf Karree, Rock Karru, or Kiesiehout. The plant is native to southern Africa and is often found in rocky areas, dry forests, and scrublands.
Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 4 meters tall, with a round and dense crown. The bark is grey-brown and smooth when young, but it becomes darker and rougher as the plant ages. The leaves are small, glossy, and evergreen, with a length of about 0.5-1 cm. They are oblong or linear in shape, and their margins are often slightly curled. The inflorescence is a compact panicle, which blooms from July to September. The flowers are small, yellowish-green, and fragrant. The fruits are small red to brown drupes, which are popular among birds.
Uses
The Shortleaf Karree has significant ecological and economic importance. It is a valuable source of food and shelter for various bird species. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory infections, fever, and stomach problems. The bark and leaves contain tannins, which have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. The wood is hard and durable and is often used for fencing, tool handles, and fuel. The plant is also used in landscaping and horticulture as an ornamental specimen, especially in rock gardens.
Light Requirements
Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland commonly grows in areas with partial to full sunlight. It can also grow in areas with filtered sunlight, but it may not reach its full growth potential. In areas with too little sunlight, the plant may experience stunted growth and may even die.
Temperature Requirements
The preferred temperature range for Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland is between 15°C to 30°C. Temperatures outside of this range may cause stress to the plant, and if it persists, it can cause permanent damage or death. The plant is known to be highly tolerant of heat and drought, making it an ideal plant for dry arid regions.
Soil Requirements
Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland typically prefers well-draining soil that is nutrient-rich and moist. It can grow in a variety of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and clay soil. The plant is known to be tolerant of alkaline and acidic soils, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. Additionally, the plant is capable of growing in nutrient-poor soil, but it may not reach its maximum growth potential.
Cultivation Methods
Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland is a drought-resistant plant and grows well in hot, arid regions. It is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of soils ranging from sandy to loamy. The soil must be well-drained and slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.5-8.0. It is best to plant the seedlings during the spring season when the temperature is warmer and stable.
The plant requires full sunlight exposure to grow and can tolerate high temperatures up to 45-degree Celsius. The better air circulation can also help the plant grow healthily, so it is important to plant the saplings at a distance of 2-3 feet.
Watering Needs
Being drought-tolerant, the Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland plant requires only a little water. It is important to water the plant thoroughly immediately after planting, and then it can be watered once every week for the first month. As the plant grows, the watering frequency can be reduced to once in two weeks during the summer season, and once a month during the winter season.
Overwatering can harm the plant's roots and cause it to rot, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out before watering again. The plant can survive for a long time without water, so it is better to err on the side of caution and provide less water rather than more.
Fertilization
The Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland plant does not require frequent fertilization. It is best to fertilize the plant once every year during the spring season using a slow-release fertilizer that is high in potassium and low in nitrogen and phosphorus. The fertilizer should be spread around the base of the plant and then watered thoroughly.
Over-fertilization can cause the plant to grow weak stems and leaves that are prone to breakage. It can also attract pests and diseases, so it is best to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
The Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland plant does not require much pruning. However, occasional pruning can help give it a desired shape and remove dead or diseased branches. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, which is during the winter season for this plant.
It is important to use clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant. Any cuts made should be clean and smooth, and the pruned portions should be removed from the plant and disposed of properly to avoid the spread of diseases.
Propagation Methods for Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland
Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland, commonly known as "short-leaved African sumac," is a small, evergreen tree endemic to certain parts of South Africa. This plant species can be propagated by various methods.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland using seeds is straightforward. The seeds must be collected from a mature plant and should be sown immediately. The seeds must be placed in a well-draining potting mix and covered lightly with soil. The pot must be watered regularly while keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 2-4 weeks, depending on the prevailing conditions.
Cuttings
Propagation of Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland using cuttings is another method that can be used. Greenwood cuttings taken during the summer months with three nodes have the highest propagation success rate. The cuttings must be treated with rooting hormone and then planted into a well-draining pot filled with a rooting mix. The potting mix must be kept moist and warm, and it is recommended to keep the pot covered with a plastic sheet to keep the humidity levels high.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method for Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland that involves creating a partial cut around the stem, applying rooting hormone to the wound, and then wrapping the cut area with moss. The moss must be kept moist, and the cut area must be covered with plastic or another opaque material to create a greenhouse-like environment. Roots will eventually grow from the wound area, and the newly developed plant can be detached from the parent plant and planted in a pot, a container, or directly in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland
Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland, commonly known as the Short-leaved African Sumac, is a shrub or small tree grown for its attractive foliage and drought tolerance. Although this species is relatively disease and pest resistant, it can still be affected by a few common problems. Timely management of these issues can help maintain the health and appeal of the plant.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Caused by fungi such as Cylindrocladium spathiphylli and Cylindrocladium scoparium, leaf spot appears as brown or grey spots on the leaves. Over time, the affected leaves turn yellow and drop, leading to defoliation of the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected plant parts and avoid overhead sprinkling of water. Apply a fungicide containing copper or chlorothalonil to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Verticillium Wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease is caused by Verticillium dahliae and V. albo-atrum. It leads to wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. Verticillium wilt primarily infects stressed plants, so maintaining adequate moisture and proper nutrition can prevent the disease. If infection occurs, remove and destroy the infected plants and avoid replanting in the same area.
Common Pests
Scale Insects: These small, sap-sucking insects are commonly found on the undersides of the leaves and stems. They appear as brown or grey bumps on the plant. Heavy infestations of scale insects can cause wilting, yellowing, and premature leaf drop. The insect can be managed by manually removing them with a brush or by using insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests are difficult to spot, but their presence can be detected by the fine webbing they leave on the plant. Spider mites feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing or bronzing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the plant regularly with a strong stream of water to dislodge the pests. Alternatively, use insecticides containing azadirachtin or pyrethrin to control their population.
Regular monitoring and prompt management of diseases and pests can prevent the decline of Rhus rosmarinifolia Vahl var. brevifolia Schönland and ensure its healthy growth and ornamental value.
