10 Responses

1. Hi Markus

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   When propagating cuttings for hardwood species like Searsia lancea, it’s most effective to use a rooting hormone and plant in a riversand/compost mixture.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

2. Can karee branches make roots when cut of and layed in water

3. Hi Jenine

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   Yes, trees planted on the boundary of a property may have a negative affect on the neighbour’s enjoyment of their outdoor space, and yet another reason why the choice of species and the planting position is so important.

   Sorry that you’ve got to remove your tree. Perhaps consider replacing your tree with one of the following species:
   – Dais cotinifolia (Pompon tree)
   – Vepris lanceolata (White ironwood)
   – Freylinia tropica (Honeybell bush)

   Flourish!
   Glenice

4. I think I have a Karee in my yard, neighbours complained that the bees are stinging them. They attract quite a bit of insects as well. We sadly have to get rid of it. It is right in corner so affecting 3 other neighbours as the branches hang over.

5. Hi Elisabeth

   Great to hear that the garden is giving you great joy.

   Your scenario is definitely testimony to my belief that plants have personalities! Sadly, it seems that one your your trees is just not happy in that location and nature is taking course.

   If it is not likely to cause any damage as it declines, I would leave it in position and plant a replacement close by. Remember that the dead wood serves as a home to many insects that, in turn attract the insect-eating birds to your garden. Buddleja saligna is a wonderful, fast-growing alternative. Other species you could possibly consider are:
   – Bolusanthus speciousus (Tree wisteria)
   – Calpurnia aurea (Wild laburnum)
   – Terminalia phanerophlebia (Lebombo cluster leaf)

   Flourish!
   Glenice

6. Hi Glenice, we planted 2 Searsia trees in our garde, might be pendulina, they are the smaller variety. Planted them, at about 2 m high, I think it was a 100l container form the nursery, mid 2015. Both grew vigorously to about 5-6 m high with a dense crown. One is still doing well, but the other one is slowly breaking apart, every time there is a storm huge branches break off, it also leans and I think has no well defined central stem. Now there is one bit left, leaning at maybe 20degree, the stem is weakened by the other stems breaking off. Would it be best to just remove it and replant something else ? Maybe a Buddleya Saligna? Still love the garden you designed for us.

7. Hi Louise

   It sounds like your tree may be reaching the end of its life. Most Searsia lancea in domestic gardens tend to have shorter life spans as they are subjected to “pampering” that can sometimes weaken them. This may be the case in your instance as you have lawn growing around it, which I assume gets watered and fertilised regularly.

   Without seeing the tree, it is difficult to provide advice. Perhaps contact a local arborist to have a look at your tree.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

8. My Karee tree is planted on the pavement and is quit old. It has this white scale on the bark and the leaves are very few. No shade. The other tree that were planted at the same time has more leaves, are greener and shade trees. My Karee has grass growing around it. What can I do to save my tree and to get it up to standard again.

9. Hi Ian

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook and for your very useful comments.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

10. An alternative to this tree for a small garden is Searsia leptodyctia. Small – about 3m high. Slow growing and very hardy.
    Consistent performer and one of my favorites for a small garden.
    Ian