Searsia dentata is a deciduous shrub or small tree up to 6 meters tall, with smooth greyish-brown bark and trifoliate leaves that are pink when young, turning dull yellow to orange-red in autumn. Leaves are dark green above, paler below, and covered in long hairs. Small yellowish-green flowers appear in clusters from September to November, followed by shiny, bright red fruits in heavy clusters on female plants from November to January. It is widespread in rocky ravines, thornveld, open woodland, bushveld, and along watercourses across eastern and southern Africa.
Flowers and fruits attract a wide range of butterflies, birds, and other insects. The plant is a larval host for several butterfly species, including Macken’s Dart, Burnished Opal, Mooi River Opal, Namaqua Arrowhead, and Pringle’s Arrowhead. Dense growth provides shelter and nesting for birds and small mammals.
Small yellowish-green flowers in clusters; shiny bright red fruits in heavy clusters on female plants, highly attractive to birds.
Fruits are much sought after by birds; dense growth offers nesting and cover.
Sow fresh seeds in sandy, well-drained soil; germinates readily.
Not commonly used; seed propagation preferred.
Used for hedges, screening, and as a container plant; some medicinal uses reported.
Not a primary fodder species.
Not known to be toxic.
Useful for hedges, windbreaks, and restoration of degraded land; supports pollinators and bird diversity.
