Searsia Glauca
Contents
Description
Searsia Glauca is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree or shrub that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. This plant is native to South Africa and is commonly found in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. It is known for its unique appearance, with its leaves that turn a beautiful red color in autumn.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Searsia |
Appearance
The Searsia Glauca has an attractive appearance with its glossy green leaves that change to a beautiful red color in autumn. The leaves are compound and have a length of 4-9 cm. The tree or shrub has a height of 2-7 m and a spread of 1-3 m. It also produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are followed by small, round fruit that turns red when ripe.
Care Guide
The Searsia Glauca is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for taking care of your Searsia Glauca:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the Searsia Glauca in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Searsia Glauca is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Searsia Glauca is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
- Scale insects: These insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause yellowing of the leaves. Treat with an insecticidal soap.
- Mites: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and a fine webbing on the plant. Treat with an insecticidal soap.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation. Treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Searsia Glauca is native to South Africa and is commonly found in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, shrublands, and grasslands. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Searsia Glauca poisonous?
A: No, the Searsia Glauca is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: How fast does the Searsia Glauca grow?
A: The Searsia Glauca is a slow-growing plant that can take several years to reach its full height.
Q: Can the Searsia Glauca be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the Searsia Glauca can be grown in a container, but it will require regular watering and fertilization.
Q: Does the Searsia Glauca attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the plant’s fruit can attract birds and other wildlife.
Related Plants
- Searsia chirindensis
- Searsia crenata
- Searsia dentata
- Searsia lucida
References
- Van Wyk, B. and Van Wyk, P. (2013). Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa. Struik Nature, Cape Town.
- Palmer, E. and Pitman, N. (1972). Trees of Southern Africa. A.A. Balkema, Cape Town.
- PlantZAfrica. (n.d.). Searsia glauca (Sond.) Moffett. [online] Available at: http://pza.sanbi.org/searsia-glauca [Accessed 5 May 2021].
