Botanical name

Searsia laevigata var. laevigata forma laevigata

Family

Anacardiaceae

Common Name

Dune Taaibos, Umhlakothi

Synonym (old name)

Rhus laevigata var. laevigata forma laevigata
Searsia laevigata var. laevigata forma laevigata
Searsia laevigata var. laevigata forma laevigata
Searsia laevigata var. laevigata forma laevigata
Searsia laevigata var. laevigata forma laevigata
Searsia laevigata var. laevigata forma laevigata
Searsia laevigata var. laevigata forma laevigata

Description

Much-branched, often deciduous shrub up to 2m, branches often infested with pea-sized galls. Leaves divided into 3 stalkless leaflets, smooth or hairy, the middle one larger at about 4 x 2.5cm, net veins are translucent when held up to the light; insignificant flowers greenish-yellow; male and female flowers on separate plants. Fruits round and shiny.

Traditionally the leaves, bark and roots were used medicinally.

The common name Taaibos refers to the tough and resilient character of the branches.

Habitat

Coastal flats and lower slopes

Flower Date

October to December