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Searsia lancea

Also Known As

Rhus lancea
African Sumac
Karee

Plant type

tree

size

H: 15'-30'
W: 15'

planting zones

8a-10b

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Searsia lancea plant details

Searsia lancea is a broadleaf evergreen tree with green foliage. In summer yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Searsia lancea

Plant type: tree
Plant family: anacardiaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 15 FT - 30 - wide, 15 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in summer
Uses: distinctive bark

GROWING CONDITIONS for Searsia lancea

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular

Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Striking leaves, formed of 3 long, narrow leaflets, on gracefully weeping branches help to make this shrub/tree (to 25') an attractive and airy plant; dark red, rough bark is also effective; very drought resistant. S/M-D

By: Forestfarm

Small, graceful, weeping tree or large shrub to 25' with an open, spreading habit. Bark is gray or brown with contrasting branches of russet-red. Leaves are linear, dark green above, paler beneath. Pea-sized, berry-like yellow or red fruit on female trees can be messy on pavement. Tolerant of high summer heat although in the desert it needs some summer watering, and can be trained to a single or multi-trunked tree. Use as a screen, clipped hedge, or background plant. Adapted to heat, aridity, poor soils and drought, but best with well-drained soil and regular water. Hardy to 20F. South Africa.

By: Native Sons

A rare and easily grown broad-leafed evergreen tree to 25' from South Africa, with trifoliate leaves, small yellow flowers and autumn berries. Although rated as cold-tender by references, it grows just fine in Las Cruces, NM and should be able to handle 10 °F or below. DS.