Searsia Angustifolia
Contents
Description
Searsia Angustifolia, also known as the African Sumac, is a small tree or shrub that is native to South Africa. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is a close relative of poison ivy and poison oak. The plant can grow up to 30 feet tall, but it is more commonly seen at heights of 10 to 20 feet. It has an open and spreading growth habit with a broad, rounded crown. The tree is deciduous and drops its leaves in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Searsia |
Appearance
Searsia Angustifolia has a distinct appearance with its slender, grayish-green leaves that are about 6 inches long. The leaves are pinnately compound and have a feathery appearance. The tree produces small yellow flowers in the summer, which are followed by small, round, red-brown fruit that is about 1/3 inch in diameter. The bark is gray and smooth when young, but it becomes rough and fissured as the tree ages.
Care Guide
Water: Searsia Angustifolia is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water deeply every two to three weeks during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.Sunlight: Searsia Angustifolia prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Searsia Angustifolia is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be affected by scale insects, spider mites, and aphids. Diseases that can affect the tree include root rot, leaf spots, and powdery mildew.
Habitat
Searsia Angustifolia is native to South Africa, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including coastal dunes, rocky outcrops, and forest margins. The tree is also commonly planted as an ornamental tree in other parts of the world, including the United States and Australia.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Searsia Angustifolia poisonous?
A: No, Searsia Angustifolia is not poisonous. However, it is a close relative of poison ivy and poison oak, which can cause skin irritation in some people.
Q: How often should I prune Searsia Angustifolia?
A: Prune the tree in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin out the canopy to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Q: Can Searsia Angustifolia grow in containers?
A: Yes, Searsia Angustifolia can be grown in containers with well-drained soil. However, the tree may require more frequent watering and fertilization than if it were planted in the ground.
Q: How fast does Searsia Angustifolia grow?
A: Searsia Angustifolia is a relatively slow-growing tree, and it may take several years to reach its full height of 10 to 20 feet.
Related Plants
- Searsia Crenata
- Searsia Lancea
- Searsia Lucida
- Searsia Pyroides
References
- “Searsia angustifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h280.
- “African Sumac (Searsia Angustifolia).” Arizona Municipal Water Users Association. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.amwua.org/plants/searsia-angustifolia.
- “Searsia Angustifolia.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed September 20, 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/searsia-angustifolia.
