About Searsia laevigata (L.) F.A.Barkley
This plant, scientifically named Searsia laevigata (L.) F.A.Barkley, closely resembles its close relative Searsia glauca, but bears larger leaflets. It was formerly classified under the name Rhus laevigata. The species is primarily coastal, growing in coastal dunes along the western and southern coast of the former Cape Province, South Africa. Its low-growing variety villosa, which has hairy (villose) leaflets, grows only in coastal areas. In contrast, the hairless variety Searsia laevigata var. laevigata occurs along the coast, but also ranges further inland, reaching as far north as the Little Karoo and as far west as Bredasdorp.
