Overview
Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii (Sond. ex Engl.) Schönland, also referred to as Wavy-leaved karee or Touwtjieboom, is a species of small tree that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to southern Africa and can be found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
Appearance
The Wavy-leaved karee is a small tree that can grow up to 6m tall. It has a rounded crown and a rough, dark grey bark that becomes deeply furrowed as the tree matures. The leaves are somewhat crinkled and have a blue-green color that contrasts with the pinkish-red branches. The tree produces small, creamy-white flowers that emerge in clusters from late winter to early spring, followed by small, brownish-red fruits that form in late summer.
Common Names
The Wavy-leaved karee has several common names, including Touwtjieboom, which is Afrikaans for "little-rope tree," referring to the bark's stringy texture. In some parts of South Africa, it is also called Blinkblaar-wag-''n-bietjie, which translates to "shiny-leaf wait-a-bit," referring to the plant's thorny branches.
Uses
Wavy-leaved karee has been used by indigenous communities for a variety of purposes. The bark contains tannins, which can be used to tan leather, and the wood is hard and durable, making it ideal for furniture and carving. The tree has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as stomach problems, fever, and respiratory infections, among others.
Light Requirements
Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii is a plant that requires full sunlight to thrive. This plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. In areas with a hot climate, it is best to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. In addition, this plant does not grow well in regions with extended periods of shade.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature range for the growth of Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii is between 10°C to 35°C. This plant can tolerate hot temperatures during the day but requires cooler temperatures at night. The optimal temperature range for growth is around 20°C to 30°C. If the temperature goes above the optimal range, the leaves of the plant may wilt, and the plant may stop producing flowers and fruits.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii needs to be well-draining and fertile. This plant prefers soil with a neutral pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. It is best to avoid heavy clay soil or soil that tends to hold water for long periods, as these conditions may lead to the root rot disease. The plant can tolerate sandy or loamy soil with good drainage but requires regular watering to compensate for the fast-draining soil.
Cultivation of Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii (Sond. ex Engl.) Schönland
Rhus undulata, also known as lemonade berry, is a shrub commonly found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral ecosystems in southern California. It grows well in full sun to partial shade locations with well-drained soil. For best results, plant Rhus undulata in early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.
Watering Needs
Rhus undulata is a drought-tolerant plant and only needs occasional watering during the hot and dry months. However, young plants will require more frequent watering compared to mature ones. It is advisable to water the plant deeply and allow the soil to dry before watering again.
Fertilization
Rhus undulata does not require much fertilization, and over-fertilization may harm the plant. If you must fertilize, use a slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid applying fertilizers during the hot and dry months.
Pruning
Pruning should be done during the winter months when the plant is semi-dormant, and new growth has slowed down. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and prune to shape the plant as needed. You should also remove any suckers that sprout from the base of the plant.
Propagation of Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii (Sond. ex Engl.) Schönland
Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii (Sond. ex Engl.) Schönland, commonly known as the Red Current or Mountain Karee, is a popular plant native to parts of South Africa. It can be propagated through several methods, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common method for Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii (Sond. ex Engl.) Schönland. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and sown in well-draining soil mix. It is essential to keep the soil moist and not let it dry out. The seeds should germinate within a few weeks, and after a year, the plants should be large enough to transplant into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Cuttings
Cuttings from Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii (Sond. ex Engl.) Schönland can be propagated quickly, but the success rate is lower than seeds. Cuttings should be taken from woody stems and planted in a rooting hormone or well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings monitored for any signs of rot or disease. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Suckers
Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii (Sond. ex Engl.) Schönland can also be propagated through suckers. Suckers are the new shoots that emerge from the base of the mother plant. These suckers can be dug up, separated from the mother plant, and replanted in a new location. Suckers have a higher success rate than cuttings, but it can take longer for them to establish themselves.
Division
Division is another option for propagating Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii (Sond. ex Engl.) Schönland. This method involves digging up the mother plant and separating it into smaller sections, each with its own root system. These individual sections can then be transplanted into separate pots or directly into the ground. Division is a reliable method of propagation, but it is essential to ensure that each section has a sufficient root system to survive on its own.
In conclusion, there are several methods for propagating Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii (Sond. ex Engl.) Schönland. Growers should choose the method that best suits their requirements and needs.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii (Sond. ex Engl.) Schönland
Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii (Sond. ex Engl.) Schönland is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper management is essential to ensure healthy growth and optimal yield. Below are some diseases and pests that commonly affect Rhus undulata and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Bacterial Canker: This disease is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas syringae. Symptoms include sunken cankers on the branches, wilting, and leaf spots. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply copper-based fungicides when the plant is in dormancy.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Symptoms include white powdery growth on the leaves and stems, distortion of the leaves, and reduced growth. To manage this disease, apply fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate or sulfur and maintain good air circulation around the plant.
3. Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include sunken brown spots on the leaves and twigs, premature defoliation, and dieback. To manage this disease, prune and destroy infected plant parts and apply fungicides containing copper hydroxide or chlorothalonil.
Pests
1. Aphids: These small soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant and cause wilting and distortion of the leaves. To manage these pests, wash them off the plant with a stream of water or apply insecticidal soap.
2. Thrips: Thrips feed on the tender parts of the plant, causing silvering of the leaves and distortion of the flowers. To manage these pests, apply insecticidal soap or insecticides containing spinosad or neem oil.
3. Spider mites: These tiny pests cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To manage them, wash them off the plant with a stream of water or apply insecticides containing insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By practicing good cultural practices, monitoring the plant regularly, and promptly addressing any issues, you can minimize or prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests in Rhus undulata Jacq. var. burchellii (Sond. ex Engl.) Schönland.
