Contents
Description
Searsia lancea, also known as African Sumac or Karree, is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. This plant is native to South Africa and has been introduced to other parts of the world, such as California and Australia. The tree can grow up to 8 meters tall and has a rounded or spreading crown. The bark is smooth and gray, becoming flaky with age. The leaves are compound, with 3-7 leaflets, and are bright green and shiny. The flowers are small and yellow-green, and the fruit is a small, reddish-brown drupe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Searsia |
Appearance
Searsia lancea has a beautiful appearance that makes it an attractive addition to any garden. The tree is evergreen and has a dense canopy with a rounded or spreading crown. The leaves are compound, with a length of about 6-10 cm and a width of 3-5 cm. They are bright green and shiny, with serrated edges. The flowers are small and yellow-green, and they bloom in late winter or spring. The fruit is a small, reddish-brown drupe that appears in late summer or fall.
Care Guide
Searsia lancea is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips for this plant:Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but make sure not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6-7.5.Sunlight: The tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Searsia lancea is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Searsia lancea is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:Aphids: These tiny insects suck sap from the leaves and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.Mites: Mites can cause leaf discoloration and distortion.Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Habitat
Searsia lancea is native to South Africa and is commonly found in dry forests, savannas, and scrublands. The tree can tolerate a wide range of soil types and is drought-tolerant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Searsia lancea a fast-growing plant?A: Yes, Searsia lancea is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 1 meter per year under favorable conditions.Q: Is Searsia lancea poisonous?A: Yes, Searsia lancea is toxic to both humans and animals. The sap of the plant can cause skin irritation and blistering, and the fruit can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.Q: Can Searsia lancea be grown as a bonsai?A: Yes, Searsia lancea can be grown as a bonsai. The plant responds well to pruning and can be trained into different shapes and sizes.Q: What is the best time to prune Searsia lancea?A: The best time to prune Searsia lancea is in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Searsia lancea:- Searsia crenata- Searsia dentata- Searsia discolor- Searsia pyroides- Searsia schimperi
References
– “Searsia lancea.” PlantZAfrica. South African National Biodiversity Institute, n.d. Web. 21 July 2021.- “Searsia lancea.” Australian Native Plants Society. Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), n.d. Web. 21 July 2021.- “Searsia lancea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 21 July 2021.
