Rhus lancea (African sumac)

Botanical name

Rhus lancea

Other names

African sumac, Toxicodendron lanceum, Searsia lancea, Karee, Willow rhus

Genus

Rhus Rhus

Species

R. lancea - R. lancea is a spreading to rounded, borderline hardy evergreen tree, single or multi-stemmed, with slightly pendent branches bearing dark green leaves divided into three long, narrowly lance-shaped leaflets. Panicles of insignificant pale yellow-green flowers in late winter to early spring are followed by small, spherical, pale brown fruit.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Spreading, Rounded

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Colour

Flower

Yellow-green in Spring; Yellow-green in Winter

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Glasshouse red spider mite

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1. Will most likely need restrictive pruning under glass.

Propagation

Sow seed at 16C in spring. Layer in spring.

Propagation methods

Layering, Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Rhus lancea (African sumac) will reach a height of 10m and a spread of 10m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Specimen tree, Mediterranean, Greenhouse, City, Architectural

Cultivation

In frost free areas, grow in well-drained soil in sun. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely & feed monthly in growth. Considered invasive in some introduced areas.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Rhus lancea (African sumac)

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Rhus lancea (African sumac)

Common pest name

; mango aphid

Scientific pest name

Aphis odinae

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Aphid pest unlikely to survive in the UK and considered to be little or no pytosanitary risk.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Rhus lancea (African sumac)

Common pest name

Stubby-root nematode

Scientific pest name

Trichodorus cedarus

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous nematode pest from Asia; occasionally intercepted by the UK. Causes direct feeding damage on plant roots and has the potential to vector viruses.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/