About Searsia lancea (L.fil.) F.A.Barkley
Searsia lancea is a dioecious tree species. It grows with a graceful, weeping form, and has dark, fissured bark. This bark contrasts sharply with its long, somewhat thin, hairless, dark-green trifoliate leaves, which have smooth margins. The tree produces small yellow flowers. On female trees, these flowers are followed by clusters of small yellow-green, flattened fruits. These fruits are a favored food of birds. In earlier times, people pounded these fruits, added water, and let the mixture ferment to make a reportedly refreshing beer. This species makes a good shade tree for gardens, parks, and paved urban areas. It naturally grows best in lime-rich areas located in the Karoo and Namibia.
