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.

Common Name:

General Information

Searsia ciliata is a thorny, low, straggly, evergreen shrub growing from 2 - 4 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild as a source of tannins and occasionally for food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southern Africa - Namibia, southern Botswana, S. Africa,

Habitat

Mainly found along dry river beds, sometimes forming dense colonies[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. Not very tasty[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The roots are a source of tannins[].

The plant is known as firebush in Namibia, where it is used to extinquish fires[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in a lightly shaded place in containers. Germination usually takes place within 4 - 6 weeks. Pot up the seedlings when they have 3 - 4 true leaves[].
The dried seed can be stored for 1 - 2 years[].

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