Red currant rhus
Searsia chirindensis

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 7 m high. The branches are often hanging. The leaf stalks are slender. They are 8 cm long. The leaflets have short stalks. They are oval and narrow to the tip. The edge is often wavy. They are 10 cm long by 4 cm wide. The flowers are at the ends of branches. They are in open branched groups. The fruit are round and 4 mm across. They are shiny red.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical and tropical plant. Young plants need protection from frost. It is best in well drained soil. It is tolerant to drought. It can grow in arid places. It often grows in open woodland and on rocky hillsides.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit is eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from fresh seeds. It can also be grown from large sections of branches. Sections 10 cm across and 2 m long are suitable.

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Bostaaibos, Inhlangishane-lenkhulu, Mubikasadza, Mutshakutshaku, Mutsodzo

Synonyms

Rhus legatii Schonland Rhus chirendensis R. & A. Fernandes;