Overview
Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. is a plant species found in Africa. The plant, which is a variation of Rhus quartiniana, belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is known by several common names including African staghorn, African poison ivy, and river poison.
Appearance
This plant grows to a height of 12 meters with a dense crown of compound leaves. The leaves produce a milky sap when broken and are reddish when young, turning green later on. The flowers, which are small and greenish, are produced in clusters and give rise to purple to black berries that are edible but not commonly consumed.
Origin
Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. is native to Africa, specifically in countries like Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. It is commonly found along riverbanks and in woodlands and grasslands.
Uses
The plant has several uses, most notably in traditional medicine where different parts are used to treat various ailments such as skin diseases, wounds, and fever. The sap of the plant is also used as a dye, producing a reddish-brown color. The fruit is edible but is not a common food source. Additionally, the wood of the tree is used for fuel and making various household items like walking sticks and furniture.
Growth Conditions for Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern.
Light: This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is important to strike a balance between the two to achieve optimal growth. In full-sun conditions, the leaves of the plant may become burned while in partial shade conditions, the growth may be stunted.
Temperature: The Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. is found in regions with fairly stable temperatures throughout the year. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C and 35°C. It is also important to note that this plant can withstand mild frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures may cause damage.
Soil: The Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. plant does well in well-draining soils. It is important to avoid waterlogging since this may lead to root rot. This plant is also quite tolerant of soil pH, growing well in either slightly acidic soils or slightly alkaline soils. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal.
Cultivation
Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. is a shrub native to southern Africa, particularly found in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It grows well in hot and dry conditions and can tolerate poor soil quality and infrequent rainfall. It is best propagated through seeds, cuttings or suckers. The optimal planting time is during the rainy season when the soil is moist.
Watering Needs
Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. requires less water than other plants. It can survive long periods of drought and does not need frequent watering. However, it is important to ensure that the plant is well-watered during the first six months after planting to promote root growth and establishment. Afterward, regular deep watering should only be carried out when the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. does not require heavy fertilization. Fertilizing the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, during its active growing season, i.e., spring to summer, can provide it with the necessary nutrients to thrive. However, a soil test is recommended before applying fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to toxicity and plant death.
Pruning
Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. requires minimal pruning. Only remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the plant. Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is recommended to prune during the dormant season, i.e., late fall to early spring. This is when the plant is not actively growing, making it easier to see the branches' structure and reduce the risk of stress.
Propagation of Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern.
Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. can be propagated by various methods including seeds, cuttings, and suckers.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. can be collected from the mature fruits. The seeds should be cleaned and planted in a well-draining potting mix. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will typically germinate within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings of Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. can be taken from the current season's growth during the late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be approximately 6-8 inches in length and should be taken from the tips of the branches. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment. Roots should develop within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by suckers
Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. can produce suckers from the base of the plant. These suckers can be detached and transplanted into a well-draining potting mix. It is important to ensure that the sucker has some roots and a portion of the stem attached to it. The transplanted sucker should be kept moist and in a warm environment until it has established itself in the new location.
Disease Management
Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. is susceptible to various diseases. Some common diseases that may affect this plant are:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and using a fungicide spray.
- Powdery mildew: This is also a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. It can be managed by using a fungicide spray and pruning infected areas.
- Crown rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots and stem of the plant, leading to a collapse of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected plants and improving soil drainage.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Rhus quartiniana A.Rich. var. zambesiensis R. & A.Fern. may also be attacked by pests. Some common pests that may affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These are tiny insects that cause yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by using a miticide or by spraying the plant with water to remove them.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that eat the leaves, causing holes in them. They can be managed by picking them off by hand or using a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
It is important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of disease or pest infestation, and take prompt action to control and prevent their spread. Good cultural practices, such as proper watering and fertilization, can also help to keep the plant healthy and more resistant to diseases and pests.
