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The Free State is a haven for many different plant species, one of the most interesting inthe family Anacardiaceae being Rhus erosa and it grows well in the garden. Its large, soft, yellow green shape stands out in the landscape. Many Rhus species, either shrubs or trees, are popular garden plants. Their gene pool is large because hybridization (cross pollination) takes place easily. Description Small, white or greenish yellow flowers, are borne in loose, slender sprays and appear in early summer from October to December. They are followed by yellowish, sometimes light brown, hairless and shiny fruits (drupes) from January to April. Rhus erosa is not threatened nor endangered. Distribution It occurs in karroid areas of the Cape provinces, Free State and Lesotho, usually in large numbers on rocky koppies (hills). Derivation of name and historical aspects The name Rhus comes from the Greek word meaning `red`, and may refer to the fact that some species turn red in autumn, or that the young leaves of others are red (Palgrave, 1985), and erosa (Latin) refers to the leaf margins which are toothed or look gnawed. The genus Rhus,one of more than eight genera under the mango family, has six subgenera with about 200 species in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate countries with centres of distribution in both hemispheres. All of Africa species belong to Subgenera Thezera including Rhus erosa. They are separated from other subgenera by a combination of ternate leaves, panicles or racemes, resinous mesocarp adhering to bony endocarp and non-toxic organs. They are deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees, armed or unarmed suffrutices, shrub or trees, and stems and branches have prominent lenticels. Leaves of this genus are compound with 3 leaflets (trifoliolate). Ecology Bees and other insects pollinate the flowers. Birds eat the ripe fruits. R. erosa can withstand harsh environmental conditions such as drought and frost. Uses and cultural aspects This plant is not grazed, but is good for conserving soil and preventing erosion. Branches as well as leaves can be used for thatching and making brooms, hence its common name. The plant is a good garden subject in harsh environments and is sometimes used for hedges. It is said to feature in rainmaking ceremonies in Lesotho (Palgrave 1981) and various parts are used to treat diarrhoea in both man and cattle. Growing Rhus erosa Rhus erosa has delicate, airy foliage. It can be grown in the garden as a soft, screening plant or hedge and it is attractive enough to use as a focal point in gardens where it grows well. It can be replaced in the garden by R. tenuinervis, in areas where the latter grows. Rhus erosa survives extremes of temperature and thrives in gardens where temperatures soar to 42º C in summer and plunge to -10º C in winter. It grows well on stony and gravel soil as these are well drained. Avoid waterlogged soils with poor drainage. This species grows easily from seed, if fresh, unparasitized seed can be found. Before planting the seed, place it in water. Discard all seeds that float to the surface, as they will not germinate. Rub off all fleshy bits from the remaining seed and dry the seeds in a sunny place. Then plant them in a mixture of gravel, loam and river sand. Only lightly cover the seeds and keep them moist, but never too damp. Seeds should start germinating about 8 weeks after sowing. Prick them out into individual bags when they have 4 leaves. Once plants are 0.5 m high they are ready to be planted out in the garden. References
Peter Gavhi |
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This
much-branched, evergreen shrub or small tree grows to about 4 m.
in height, but spreads to about 9 m across. It is fairly fast growing
and has brown bark. The trifoliate leaves are very distinctive.
The leaflets are very long (up to 130 mm) and narrow (3 mm wide).
They usually have toothed, jagged margins which look as if they
have been gnawed, giving rise to the specific name. Leaves are attached
to the stem by a petiole which is up to 30 mm long, but the leaflets
are sessile. The leaflets appear leathery, hairless and sticky in
texture, and olive-green or yellowish green in colour, with paler
undersides. The midribs are prominent and crushed leaves often emit
a strong turpentine or resinous odour.
