Furry rhus, Bicoloured currant
Searsia tomentosa

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows up to 5 m tall. It has many branches. The bark is smooth and grey-brown. The branches have shallow ridges. They have red hairs when young. Older branches are green. The leaves are alternate and have 3 leaflets. The leaflets are 3-9 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. The end leaflet is the largest. They taper to the base. The flowers are in branched groups in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The fruit is round and fleshy. It is 4-6 mm long by 3-4 mm wide. It has a grey covering.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows on rocky mountain slopes. It can grow up to 2,500 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit is edible but not attractive. It is eaten raw as a snack.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Rhus tomentosa L.;