Searsia glauca

Searsia glauca 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 colour. The leaves are trifoliate, with three obtuse leaflets.
It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The fruits reach a maximum diameter of 5 mm.

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.