Fynbos Corridor Collaboration

Crowberry

Searsia crenata

© By Abu Shawka (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f9/Dune_Crowberry_-_Rhus_crenata_-_South_Africa_3.jpg) (None)

Description - from Wikipedia

Searsia crenata, previously known as Rhus crenata, ("dune crow-berry"), is a species of Searsia that is native to South Africa, where it grows in frost-free and light frost areas, especially on beach sand dunes.

Description
It is a multibranched evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching a height of 3 metres and a similar spread.
The leaf stalks (petioles) are about 2 mm in length. Each leaflet is obovate-cuneate with three distinct bumps at the broad tip (tricrenate).
The small flowers are produced in autumn, and are followed by dark blue fruit eaten by birds.

Distribution
This species is found along the southern coast of South Africa, from Cape Town as far east as the Kei river.
Its favoured habitat is stabilised sand dunes.

Cultivation
The tree is a good subject for bonsai, and can easily be pruned into a very neat hedge. It enjoys full sun and is semi frost hardy.

References

Media related to Searsia crenata at Wikimedia Commons

Read more here

Species Characteristics

Wildlife supported

Bees Bees
Birds Birds
Butterflies Butterflies

Tolerances & suitability

Drought-resistant Drought-resistant

Growth features

Easy to grow Easy to grow
Hedge Hedge

Social features

Attractive Attractive

Aspect

Semi-shade Semi-shade
Sun Sun

Plant types

Shrub Shrub
Flowering Period
  • Cream
  • White
Mar Apr May

Propagation

By Cutting

Propagation from cuttings is relatively easy. Cuttings should be made two months before the flowering season, between December and February. Cutting material works best at the length of 70mm and all new growth at the tip of the cutting should be removed. Remove one third at the base of the cutting and dip it in a fungicide solution. Allow the cutting ends to dry and then dip it in a rooting hormone agent; hormone powder works well, but ensure that you shake off any excess powder. Use the following mix for your cuttings: 50% milled pine bark with 50% coarse river sand. You also have the option to use polystyrene or perlite in the place of river sand. Cuttings perform best if they are placed on a heating bench with an automated irrigation system and enough air movement in the greenhouse. Cuttings should develop roots within three to five weeks, after which they can be removed from the greenhouse to a hardening-off section, where an organic fertilizer can be applied to cuttings. Once cuttings reach a height of at least 100mm, pot them up in a mixture of 50% compost and 50% coarse river sand with a slow-release fertilizer, or a mixture of 60% fine milled bark and 40% coarse river sand (E. Hull pers. comm.).

Nursery availability

No nursery stock found.

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