Contents
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.