Searsia lancea

Searsia lancea

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Common Names

Karee (english)Karee (afrikaans)Mushakaladza (venda)Mošabêlê (tswana)Umhlakotshane (zulu)

Taxonomy

Family ANACARDIACEAE
Genus Searsia
Species lancea
SA Plant Number 386
Basionym Searsia lancea

Description

Searsia (=Rhus) lancea is a very hardy, evergreen, drought resistant tree with a graceful, weeping form. The dark, fissured bark contrasts beautifully with the long, thin, bright, trifoliate leaves.

The inconspicuous yellow-green flowers (male and female flowers on separate plants, therefore only female plants bear fruit) from June to September attract insects and are followed by bunches of edible fruit that attract birds. The small flowers are borne in abundance and give the tree a lacy look when in bloom.

An excellent garden subject that thrives in clay soils and is fast growing if watered regularly. Having said that it is also drought hardy. Extremely popular street tree and a good avenue tree.  Makes a great climbing tree for children if the lower branches are not pruned off.

Plant in sun or semi-shade in virtually any soil type.

 Size up to 8m

Seeds

Lifestyle Seeds may have stock of Searsia lancea seeds.

Wildlife

Wildlife garden plant: The flowers attract insects and are followed by edible fruit that attract birds to the garden.

Uses

Bark: Bark is used for tanning leather.

Fodder: Foliage provides valuable fodder, particularly in dry areas for livestock and game.

Distribution

Limpopo, North West Province, Gauteng, Free State,  Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal,  Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape

Habitat:Wooded Grassland, Woodland

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