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Description
Searsia Magalismontana, also known as Willow Rhus, is a tree species from the Anacardiaceae family that is commonly found in South Africa. This plant can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a spreading canopy with a short trunk. The bark of the tree is dark grey and rough, and the leaves are pinnate and velvety, with a long elliptic shape. The flowers of Searsia Magalismontana are small and greenish-white and form in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit of the tree is a small, round, red drupe that is consumed by birds and animals.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Searsia |
Appearance
The Willow Rhus has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other trees. Its leaves are pinnate and velvety, with a long elliptic shape that measures around 7-11 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. The leaves are green on top and paler underneath. The tree has a spreading canopy with a short trunk, and its bark is dark grey and rough. The flowers of Searsia Magalismontana are small and greenish-white and form in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit of the tree is a small, round, red drupe that is consumed by birds and animals.
Care Guide
Willow Rhus is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The tree can tolerate some drought but prefers to be watered regularly during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Feed the tree with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil and can grow in a wide range of soil types.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Willow Rhus is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Willow Rhus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can sometimes be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to curl and turn yellow.
- Caterpillars: These pests can eat the leaves and cause defoliation.
- Sooty mold: This fungal disease can develop on the leaves and stems, causing them to appear black and sooty.
Habitat
Searsia Magalismontana is native to South Africa and is commonly found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga provinces. The tree prefers well-drained soil and can grow in a wide range of soil types. It can tolerate some drought but prefers to be watered regularly during the growing season. The tree prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Willow Rhus a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Willow Rhus is a slow-growing tree.
Q: Does Willow Rhus require a lot of water?
A: The tree can tolerate some drought but prefers to be watered regularly during the growing season.
Q: Is Willow Rhus resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Willow Rhus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can sometimes be affected by aphids, caterpillars, and sooty mold.
Q: Where is Willow Rhus native to?
A: Willow Rhus is native to South Africa and is commonly found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga provinces.
Related Plants
- Searsia chirindensis
- Searsia dentata
- Searsia divaricata
- Searsia glauca
- Searsia lancea
- Searsia leptodictya
- Searsia lucida
- Searsia natalensis
- Searsia pyroides
- Searsia schimperi
References
- “Searsia magalismontana.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantqrs/searsiamagali.htm.
- “Searsia magalismontana (Hochst.) Moffett.” GBIF, Global Biodiversity Information Facility, www.gbif.org/species/3158465.
- “Willow Rhus (Searsia magalismontana).” Plantinfo, PlantZAfrica, www.plantinfo.co.za/plant/searsia-magalismontana/.
