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Searsia Zeyheri

Searsia Zeyheri

Description

Searsia Zeyheri, also known as the River Rhus, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to South Africa. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family and is known for its attractive foliage, which turns a beautiful red color in autumn. The plant produces small greenish-yellow flowers in summer, which are followed by small blackish berries that attract birds.

Taxonomic Information

Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Spermatophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Sapindales
Family Anacardiaceae
Genus Searsia

Appearance

Searsia Zeyheri typically grows up to 5 meters tall and 4 meters wide. It has a dense, spreading crown and a single trunk that can reach up to 35 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are pinnate, with 7-13 leaflets that are up to 7 centimeters long and 3 centimeters wide. The green leaves turn a striking red color in autumn, adding to the plant’s ornamental value. The small greenish-yellow flowers appear in summer and are followed by small blackish berries that attract birds.

Care Guide

Searsia Zeyheri is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The plant needs regular watering during its growing season, but should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.- Fertilization: The plant can benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Searsia Zeyheri is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases. These include:- Scale insects: These insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can be controlled by removing infected leaves and applying a fungicide.

Habitat

Searsia Zeyheri is native to South Africa, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including riverbanks, forest margins, and rocky slopes. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and public spaces due to its attractive foliage and hardy nature.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Searsia Zeyheri drought-tolerant?

A: While the plant is relatively drought-tolerant, it still needs regular watering during its growing season.

Q: How tall can Searsia Zeyheri grow?

A: The plant can grow up to 5 meters tall and 4 meters wide.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Searsia Zeyheri?

A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Q: Does Searsia Zeyheri attract birds?

A: Yes, the plant’s small blackish berries attract birds.

Related Plants

– Searsia dentata (Toothbrush Plant)- Searsia lucida (Glossy Searsia)- Searsia lancea (Karee)

References

– “Searsia zeyheri (Harv.) Moffett.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 21 July 2021.- “Searsia zeyheri.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed 21 July 2021.- “Searsia zeyheri.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 21 July 2021.

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