In the Lowveld we have two Rhus, Searsia species this month where the leaflets have toothed/serrated/indented edges (margins). These are Nana Currant-rhus and Rock Karee-rhus.

In all four of the Bushveld Rhus, Searsia species covered this month, the leaflets have toothed/serrated/indented edges (margins). These are Rock Karee-rhus, Bi-coloured-rhus, Nana Currant-rhus and Rolled Currant-rhus.

The two Rhus, Searsia species in the Cape North this month each have some form of spiny branchlet, or short stiff spur-branchlets, which are sometimes spine-tipped. These are Rolled-leaf Currant-rhus and Namaqua Kuni-rhus.

Four Rhus, Searsia species are covered in the Cape South this month and all of them have both firm, leathery leaves and angular or spur-like/spine-tipped branchlets. These are Rub-rub Currant-rhus, Winged Currant-rhus, Blue Kuni-rhus and Namaqua Kuni-rhus.

In the Highveld this month we have four Rhus, Searsia species that each has a distinctive feature that helps to separate them from other Rhus’. Bi-coloured Currant-rhus has branchlets that are red and hairy; Ribbed Kuni-rhus has central veins on the leaflets that are ridged on both surfaces and the lateral veins are dark, and more visible above than below; Broom Karee-rhus has lime-olive-khaki-green leaflets covered in a shiny resin; and Drakensberg Karee-rhus is alone in South Africa in this genus, in not always having three-leaflet leaves. They can be 5- or 7- leaflet, but still look quite 'Rhus-like'.

In KwaZulu-Natal this month we have four Rhus, Searsia species that each has a distinctive feature that helps to separate them from other Rhus’. Ribbed Kuni-rhus has central veins on the leaflets that are ridged on both surfaces and the lateral veins are dark, and more visible above than below; The leaflets of Nana Currant-rhus have unusually deeply indented edges (margins) thus the name dentate – toothed; Blue-fruit Currant-rhus obviously has fruit which mature to deep blue; and Drakensberg Karee-rhus is alone in South Africa in this genus in not always having three-leaflet leaves. They can be 5- or 7- leaflet, but still look quite 'Rhus-like'.

Again this month we are concentrating on Rhus, Searsia species and in this educational section we are highlighting a quick overview to help you to recognise the various types of Rhus.

Three of the Bushveld Rhus, Searsia species covered this month can have spines, especially when the trees are young. These are Thorny Karee-rhus, Red Currant-rhus and Crowberry Currant-rhus. The fourth Rhus has leaves that are covered in a shiny resin, which becomes waxy and glossy, and is aptly named Waxy Currant-rhus.

The three Rhus species in the Cape North this month have differently shaped leaflets. Karoo-kuni Rhus has egg-shaped leaflets with square tips. The leaflets of Dune Currant-rhus are widely egg-shaped to elliptic with a sharp tip. White Karee-rhus has long narrow leaflets with sharp tips..
 

The distribution of the four Rhus, Searisa species in Cape South is widespread. Willow Karee-rhus is a specialist at the tip of the continent only. Dune Currant-rhus is a Cape coastal species extending from north of Springbok round to south-west of East London. Red Currant-rhus and Waxy Currant-rhus have far greater distributions, both being eastern South African species, extending their range from fairly close to Cape Town all the way to north of Polokwane in the Bushveld.

In the Lowveld we have three of the largest of the Rhus, Searsia species covered in the blog this month. Red Currant-rhus can grow to 4 metres (and more in KwaZulu-Natal), Waxy Currant-rhus is also a 4 m tree, while in the right circumstances Crowberry Currant-rhus can become 5 m tall.

In the Highveld this month we have three Rhus, Searsia species that tend to have spines, particularly when they are young, namely Red Currant-rhus, Thorny Karee-rhus and Crowberry Currant-rhus. The fourth Rhus occurs on the western edge of the Highveld and into the dry areas of the Karoo, and boasts square-ended leaflets covered in shiny resin as their distinctive feature.

Three of the KwaZulu-Natal Rhus, Searsia species covered this month can have spines, especially when the trees are young. These are Red Currant-rhus, Thorny Karee-rhus, and Crowberry Currant-rhus. The fourth Rhus has leaves that are covered in a shiny resin, which becomes waxy and glossy, and is aptly named Waxy Currant-rhus.

This month we are taking a break from looking at Habitats in order to complete the information on the Rhus genus, discussed in the main blog. It is probably easier if you read the main blog first. In that text I mention that Rhus are now called Searsia botanically, and that this genus is part of the Mango, Anacardaceae Family. There are a number of fascinating things about both the genus, Rhus, Searsia, and the family Mango, Anacardaceae.

This month I have chosen to concentrate on the idea of identifying trees the Sappi Tree Spotting way, and the trees I have chosen are all Rhus, now scientifically called Searsia.  In many parts of South Africa it is hardly possible to drive 50 kilometers, without coming across a 'typical' Rhus-bush on the verge of the road. Fed by the extra water running off the tarred surface, and protected from browsing by the fences, they flourish where many other woody species are non-existent. They are a constant source of delight and intrigue, often in landscapes that lack a variety of other larger woody species.