Accession Count: 3
Common Name:
African sumac
Family Name:
Anacardiaceae
Botanical Name:
Searsia lancea
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
This slow growing tree reaches heights of 15 to 30 feet with an equal or greater spread. The canopy of this evergreen is very dense when young, thinning somewhat when more mature. Although this tree is not deciduous, it does lose a great amount of leaves each year-- more so in the hot summers. This tree is typically multi-trunked and produces a high number of branches that grow in every direction. There are fissures in the dark gray trunk which reveal an orange mahogany color beneath. The palmately compound leaves form in groups of three, with leaflets that are two to three inches long. The leaves are shiny and dark green. The small flowers are whitish-green and give way to yellow or red berrylike fruit that grows in clusters. The fruit contains small black seeds with a paper-like coating.
Compound:
Sea lan
Geographic Origin:
South Africa
Ecozone Origin:
Afrotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The species name "lancea" refers to the lance shaped leaves. This tree is also commonly known as Karee in Africa.
Cultivation Notes:
The African sumac has a hardiness of 15ºF which classifies as hardy. The amount of water use for this species is low because it is required monthly.
Ethnobotany:
This plant is used primarily as a shade tree and an ornamental. It is quite popular on golf courses.
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Winter
Color:
Green
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Allergenic
Invasive:
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
1. Duffield, Mary Rose., and Warren D. Jones. Plants For Dry Climates - How To Select, Grow And Enjoy. Lane Publishing Company, 1992.
