(Redirected from Rhus lancea)
Searsia lancea
(L.f.) Moffett
Anacardiaceae
There has been considerable uncertainty amongst botanists as to the best way of treating the genus Searsia, with some viewing it as a genus distinct from Rhus, whilst others see insufficient differences and place it as a subgenus of Rhus. There seems to be a growing acceptance that Searsia is distinct and it is treated thus here.
Rhus denudata Licht. ex Schult.
Rhus fragrans Licht. ex Schult.
Rhus lancea L.f.
Rhus viminalis Aiton
Common Name:
General Information
Searsia lancea is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense crown of somewhat pendulous branches; it can grow 6 - 12 metres tall. The tree usually branches from very low down the bole[
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,
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- Flora Zambesiaca
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- http://apps.kew.org/efloras/fz/intro.html
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- An excellent online flora of plants from the Zambezi River basin. It lists a number of the plant uses as well as the habitats and botanical descriptions of the plants.
,
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- Desert Tropicals
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- Author
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- Website
- http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
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- Description
- The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
,
1212- Title
- New Trees
- Publication
-
- Author
- Grimshaw J.; Bayton R.; Wilks H.
- Publisher
- Kew Publishing; London
- Year
- 2009
- ISBN
- 1842461737
- Description
- Provides comprehensive botanical descriptions and horticultural commentary on over 800 tree species that have been introduced to cultivation in recent decades.
].
The edible fruit is sometimes gathered from the wild for local use. The plant is cultivated as a hedge in S. Africa[
]. An excellent shade-providing tree, it is good for planting along the sides of roads, being able to tolerate to poor soil conditions[
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- http://www.plantzafrica.com
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- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
].
Known Hazards
The pollen is said to be allergenic[
1212- Title
- New Trees
- Publication
-
- Author
- Grimshaw J.; Bayton R.; Wilks H.
- Publisher
- Kew Publishing; London
- Year
- 2009
- ISBN
- 1842461737
- Description
- Provides comprehensive botanical descriptions and horticultural commentary on over 800 tree species that have been introduced to cultivation in recent decades.
].
Botanical References
308- Title
- Flora Zambesiaca
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://apps.kew.org/efloras/fz/intro.html
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online flora of plants from the Zambezi River basin. It lists a number of the plant uses as well as the habitats and botanical descriptions of the plants.
,
1212- Title
- New Trees
- Publication
-
- Author
- Grimshaw J.; Bayton R.; Wilks H.
- Publisher
- Kew Publishing; London
- Year
- 2009
- ISBN
- 1842461737
- Description
- Provides comprehensive botanical descriptions and horticultural commentary on over 800 tree species that have been introduced to cultivation in recent decades.
Range
Southern Africa - Malawi, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and S. Africa.
Habitat
Savannahs, open woodlands and riverine forests at elevations from 100 - 2,300 metres[
308- Title
- Flora Zambesiaca
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://apps.kew.org/efloras/fz/intro.html
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online flora of plants from the Zambezi River basin. It lists a number of the plant uses as well as the habitats and botanical descriptions of the plants.
]. An understorey tree in Acacia woodland and along drainage lines, rivers and streams. It is often found growing on lime rich substrates[
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- PlantZAfrica.com
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- Website
- http://www.plantzafrica.com
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- 0
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- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
].
Properties
Weed Potential | Yes |
Edibility Rating | |
Medicinal Rating | |
Other Uses Rating | |
Habit | Evergreen Tree |
Height | 5.00 m |
Growth Rate | Medium |
Pollinators | Bees |
Self-fertile | No |
Cultivation Status | Cultivated, Wild |
Cultivation Details
Searsia lancea is not very cold-tolerant, but is able to tolerate occasional temperatures falling to around -5 to -10°c when dormant so long as the branches have been fully ripened by a hot summer[
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- PlantZAfrica.com
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-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.plantzafrica.com
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
,
1212- Title
- New Trees
- Publication
-
- Author
- Grimshaw J.; Bayton R.; Wilks H.
- Publisher
- Kew Publishing; London
- Year
- 2009
- ISBN
- 1842461737
- Description
- Provides comprehensive botanical descriptions and horticultural commentary on over 800 tree species that have been introduced to cultivation in recent decades.
].
Requires a sunny position[
423- Title
- Desert Tropicals
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
]. Succeeds in poorly drained soils[
295- Title
- PlantZAfrica.com
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-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.plantzafrica.com
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
]. Established plants are drought resistant[
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- PlantZAfrica.com
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.plantzafrica.com
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
].
Rhus lancea is often cultivated as an ornamental in the southwestern United States, where it is not only well established (and generally valued) as a landscape tree, but has become naturalised, and could pose a threat to natural ecosystems, especially desert washes[
1212- Title
- New Trees
- Publication
-
- Author
- Grimshaw J.; Bayton R.; Wilks H.
- Publisher
- Kew Publishing; London
- Year
- 2009
- ISBN
- 1842461737
- Description
- Provides comprehensive botanical descriptions and horticultural commentary on over 800 tree species that have been introduced to cultivation in recent decades.
].
The tree can grow up to 80cm a year and is thus fairly fast growing[
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- PlantZAfrica.com
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- http://www.plantzafrica.com
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- Year
- 0
- ISBN
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- Description
- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
].
The dark reddish brown bark has a sweet, spicy scent[
1212- Title
- New Trees
- Publication
-
- Author
- Grimshaw J.; Bayton R.; Wilks H.
- Publisher
- Kew Publishing; London
- Year
- 2009
- ISBN
- 1842461737
- Description
- Provides comprehensive botanical descriptions and horticultural commentary on over 800 tree species that have been introduced to cultivation in recent decades.
].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.
Edible Uses
Fruit[
423- Title
- Desert Tropicals
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
]. The fruit has been fermented to make a beer[
423- Title
- Desert Tropicals
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
]. The fruit is a small round, glossy tan drupe, 4 - 6mm in diameter, in a hanging many branched cluster[
1212- Title
- New Trees
- Publication
-
- Author
- Grimshaw J.; Bayton R.; Wilks H.
- Publisher
- Kew Publishing; London
- Year
- 2009
- ISBN
- 1842461737
- Description
- Provides comprehensive botanical descriptions and horticultural commentary on over 800 tree species that have been introduced to cultivation in recent decades.
].
Medicinal
The roots, leaves and stem bark are used to treat skin diseases[
299- Title
- Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa.
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- http://www.prota.org
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- Year
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- Description
- An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
].
A root infusion is taken to treat abdominal and chest complaints and diarrhoea[
299- Title
- Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa.
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.prota.org
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
]. The roots are chewed as a treatment against stomach-ache[
299- Title
- Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa.
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.prota.org
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
].
A leaf decoction or infusion is taken to treat measles and pustules[
299- Title
- Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa.
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-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.prota.org
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
].
The vapours from leaves in a bath of hot water are inhaled to cure cough[
299- Title
- Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa.
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- Author
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- Website
- http://www.prota.org
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- Year
- 0
- ISBN
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- Description
- An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
].
Bark extracts have shown in-vitro antibacterial activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria[
299- Title
- Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa.
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.prota.org
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
].
The leaves yield 0.2% of an essential oil, with α-pinene, benzene and δ-3-carene as main constituents. The oil showed remarkable anti-oxidant activity and dose-dependent antibacterial and antifungal activities. These activities may be associated with the high concentration of α-pinene in the oil (87%).[
299- Title
- Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa.
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.prota.org
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
].
Agroforestry Uses:
Rhus lancea is suitable for use as a large hedge along the boundaries of properties such as farms because of its dense growth habit[
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- http://www.plantzafrica.com
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- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
,
]. The density of the plant makes it suitable for use as a screen or barrier against wind, noise or objectionable views, as well as to provide privacy[
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- http://www.plantzafrica.com
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- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
].
Searsia lancea is useful in providing natural soil stabilisation and increasing infiltration of rainwater into the soil thus reducing erosion and raising the ground water table[
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- http://www.plantzafrica.com
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- 0
- ISBN
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- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
].
The tree does not have an aggressive root system and can be used near paving and tarred surfaces[
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- http://www.plantzafrica.com
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- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
].
Because the karee is hardy, frost resistant and evergreen, it is ideal for establishing a protective canopy for frost sensitive and shade loving plants. It could thus be considered as a possible pioneer plant for establishing a new forest in an area that receives frost[
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- PlantZAfrica.com
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- http://www.plantzafrica.com
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- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
].
The plant is considered to be an indicator of underground water[
299- Title
- Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa.
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-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.prota.org
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
].
Other Uses
The bark, twigs and leaves are sources of tannin[
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- PlantZAfrica.com
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- Author
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- Website
- http://www.plantzafrica.com
- Publisher
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- Year
- 0
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- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
].
A brown dye is obtained from the bark[
299- Title
- Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa.
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.prota.org
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
].
The reddish-brown wood is fine textured, heavy, hard, tough and durable[
299- Title
- Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa.
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.prota.org
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
]. It has a sweetish and spicy smell, works well and takes a nice polish. It is used for fence posts, tool handles and parts of wagons[
295- Title
- PlantZAfrica.com
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.plantzafrica.com
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
,
299- Title
- Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa.
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.prota.org
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
]. Bowls, tobacco pipes and bows were also made from the wood[
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- PlantZAfrica.com
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- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.plantzafrica.com
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
].
Propagation
Seed - the ripe seed should be sown in trays using a good seedling medium and transplanted into bigger containers when the seedlings reach the two leaf stage[
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- http://www.plantzafrica.com
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- 0
- ISBN
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- An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
].
Cuttings can be taken using young growth
Layering.
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