Fynbos Corridor Collaboration

Blue Kunibush

Searsia glauca

© (c) Matthew Fainman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matthew Fainman (CC-BY)

Description - from Wikipedia

Searsia glauca (or the blue kuni-rhus) is a small, compact tree or bush native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Although commonest near the coast, it is also found inland among fynbos vegetation. Searsia glauca has potential medicinal effects and antioxidant properties that can aid in the prevention of cell injury or death.

Description
The leaves are characteristically glossy/shiny and often a slightly glaucous (blue-green) colour. The leaves are trifoliate, with three obtuse (obcordate-cuneate) leaflets.
It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The fruits reach a maximum diameter of 5 mm (distinguishing it from Searsia undulata which has 3mm fruits).

Distribution
This species occurs along the coast of South Africa, as well as in certain areas inland.
It occurs from Velddrif and Cape Town in the west, eastwards into the Eastern Cape Province.
Inland it occurs in the Little Karoo, around Worcester, Oudtshoorn, Baviaanskloof and northwards into Zimbabwe.

References

Media related to Searsia glauca 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

Social features

Attractive Attractive
Edible Edible

Aspect

Sun Sun

Plant types

Shrub Shrub
Tree Tree

Succession

Pioneer species Pioneer species
Flowering Period
  • Green
  • White
Feb Sep Oct Nov Dec

Nursery availability

No nursery stock found.

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