Bitter currant, Bitter karee
Searsia marlothii

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

An erect shrub. It has several stems. It grows 1-5 m high. The stems can be spiny. The bark is pale grey and fairly smooth. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The end one is the largest. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The flowers are small and star like. They are greenish to pale yellow. The flowers are in groups 3 cm long in the axils of leaves. The fruit are 5 mm across and light brown.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in regions with a marked dry season. It grows in regions with a rainfall less than 500 mm per year. It can tolerate drought. It can tolerate frost. In southern Africa it grows between 300-1,700 m altitude. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. The fruit are rubbed in the hands to remove the skin which is blown away and the fruit eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be cut back and will re-grow.

Its other names

Local names

Mukoko, Okasauroro

Synonyms

Rhus marlothii Engl.;