Searsia somalensis

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It can grow 10 m tall. The branches have short hairs when young. The leaves are divided. The middle leaflet is oblong and 5-9.5 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. The side leaflets are shorter. The flowers are yellow. The fruit are fleshy and round and 4 mm across. They turn red.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows between 1,340-2,370 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Mediterranean, Middle East, Oman, Somalia

How it is used for food

Both the green unripe and red ripe fruit are eaten. They are also cooked.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Dambalo areyna, Ilka cadeeye, Lafho

Synonyms

Rhus myriantha Baker; Rhus somalensis Engl.;