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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid, extremely
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
resistant
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (2000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-6°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree, shrub
Height
:
4 m-9 m
Spread
:
4 m-10 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
pale green
Size
:
0.5 cm
Period
:
May - June
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
0.3 cm
Toxicity
:
edible, fruit
Several species of Rhus, which are native to arid regions such as the deserts of Arizona and Me-
xico, and also South Africa, have potential for use in Arriyadh. Renamed Searsia pendulina in
2008, the White Karee, originating from and now widely planted in South Africa, is a small orna-
mental tree which can be found in Arriyadh’s nurseries. Fast-growing and somewhat short-lived,
it will reach a height of about 6 metres and a spread of 4 to 5 metres. It has a willowy appearance
with a rounded crown, and many drooping, weeping branches, usually on a single trunk, the bark
of which is smooth and greyish, becoming rough and scaly at maturity. The dark-green leaves
are trifoliate. Small, yellowish-green flowers bloom delicately on branching panicles from spring
through to summer, attracting bees and butterflies. (Male and female flowers are borne on sepa-
rate trees.) The edible fruits are small round berries which ripen from red to black, and are eaten
by birds. The plant prefers moist soil with good drainage, and flourishes in full sun: it is wind- and
drought-resistant, and relatively frost-hardy. Propagation is easy from seed and cuttings. Regular
irrigation is necessary until establishment, with deep watering later during the summer months.
The wood is durable and is used for fencing poles. An excellent small garden tree for shade, the
roots are not aggressive, so that planting at a reasonable distance from swimming pools or patios
is not a problem. Because not much pruning is needed, it makes a low-maintenance street tree.
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Searsia pendulina,
Anacardiaceae
White Karee,
Willow Karee