Family ANACARDIACEAE
Genus Searsia
Species dentata
SA Plant Number 381
Basionym Searsia dentata

Searsia dentata is a very hardy, deciduous, scrambling shrub or small tree that is extremely drought resistant. The grey-brown bark is either smooth or rough. The wedge-shaped, deeply-toothed trifoliate leaves are bronze when they first appear, turning a dull olive-green and then turn bright orange-red in autumn - making this an attractive foliage plant. The inconspicuous flowers are borne from September to November - Male and female flowers are on separate plants, therefore only female plants bear fruit. When ripe, the small fruits are red, edible and much sought after by birds.

This tough small tree forms an attractive formal or informal hedge. It is great as part of a bird-attracting bush clump, with other fruit bearing shrubs or small trees. Plant in full sun or semi-shade.

Size: 1 to 5m

Fruit for birds: Birds relish the small, ripe fruit of this indigenous tree or small shrub.

Plants for Pollinators: Many different insect species including non-honey bee pollinaters are attracted to these flowers.

Browse plant for game: Black rhino and some antelope species are known to browse on this plant.

Landscaping: A useful plant for a formal or informal hedge. Good addition to a bushclump or forest margin planting. Decorative foliage plant in the growing season.

Culinary: Searsia dentata is an indigenous edible fruit plant.

Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo, North West Province

Natural Habitat Forest margins, in scrub forest, rock outcrops and along streams

Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Growth Rate: Moderate, Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous , Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Shrub - Large, Plant Type: Tree - Small, Position: Shade - Light, Position: Sun - Full, Position: Under deciduous trees, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Soil: Well-drained, Edible: Edible fruit, Garden Uses: Bird Friendly, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Hedge, Garden Uses: Hedge - clipped, Garden Uses: Rockeries and retaining walls, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy, Flower colour: Yellow shades, Garden type: Bushclumps, Garden type: Forest Garden, Garden type: Rainwater Harvesting Garden, Garden type: River-side and Stream-side Gardens, Garden type: Rocky outcrop and Koppie Gardens, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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