Searsia kwangoensis (Van der Veken) Moffett

Anacardiaceae, J. O. Kokwaro (University of Nairobi). Flora of Tropical East Africa. 1986

Morphology General Habit

Suffrutex 30–80 cm. high, arising from a horizontal woody rootstock; stems slender, glabrous or with simple minute scattered hairs.

Morphology Leaves

Petiole 1–3 cm. long, semiterete, barely grooved above, glabrous or with simple minute hairs; leaflets obovate to elliptic-obovate, 2–5.5(–7) cm. long, 1–3 cm. broad, the terminal one generally larger than the 2 laterals, obtuse at the apex, the terminal one cuneate at the base and with a petiolule up to 3 mm. long, the laterals often somewhat asymmetric at the base and subsessile, margin entire, coriaceous, glabrous, midrib prominulous above and prominent beneath; lateral nerves and reticulation visible on both surfaces.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences of loose terminal and axillary panicles 1–5 cm. long, pubescent; flowers laxly inserted (not glomerate); pedicels 1–2 mm. long, pubescent.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Calyx-lobes ovate, 0.5–0.7 mm. long, pilose outside, green.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals oblong, 0.8–1 mm. long, 0.5–0.6 mm. broad, greenish cream.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens as long as or slightly shorter than the petals in ♂; filaments pale green.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Ovary

Ovary globose, glabrous; styles 3, persistent in fruit.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Drupes subglobose, up to 4 mm. long and up to 4 mm. in diameter, dull red when ripe, shining.

Habitat

In lake basin or river bank swamps; ± 1200 m.

Distribution

U4