18 responses

1. Hi Leeona

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   Searsia lancea is an indigenous tree and serves as a host plant to several butterfly and moth species. The once the insects locate a suitable tree, they lay their eggs on it. The eggs hatch and the caterpillars feed specifically on that tree. Once the caterpillars are mature, they move away from the tree to pupate. After this stage they emerge as a moth or butterfly. This is a totally natural event and a fantastic sight to witness in our backyards. Moths and butterflies are valuable indicators of a healthy ecosystem as they are beneficial pollinators and also food for several birds.

   While the cacoons on walls can appear unsightly, they decompose and disappear quickly.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

2. Hi. Help please!!
   We live in a complex and one of the tenants has a huge Karee tree, right on the boundary of another unit. There is a plague of hairy caterpillars that come from this tree. Right now, it is just hundreds of cocoons that are being “laid” between the bricks of the neighbors unit, and I am sure the unit concerned as well but we cannot check there. We have been advised that this tree is the host of these worms. Is this correct and if so, how do we get rid of these caterpillars? It has been suggested that the tree will have to be removed.
   On checking other units,these cocoons have been seen all over the place. Apparently not even the birds will eat these caterpillars.
   Please advise as a matter of urgency.
   Lee

3. Hi Mariaan

   The spacing of your trees will depend on what look you’re after, how many trees you’re planting and the space available. For a dense forest effect, closer spacing of 3-6m apart can create an enchanting atmosphere. To create an avenue of trees to line a driveway or street for example, then I’d recommend a spacing of 10-20m.

   Without seeing the situation, it is tricky to advise on a companion for your Celtis africana (White stinkwood). Depending on your location, the ferns should be able to tolerate winter sun which is less severe. Also remember that the despite the Celtis africana not having leafy shade for winter the branches still provide some shade and protection.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

4. Hi Glenis
   Thank you so much for responding to all my questions.
   1. How many meters away can I plant my White Karee trees from each other.
   2. Is there any tree that will grow underneath a White Stinkwood tree ( in semi-shade) that is about 20 meters high? The reason is there is no shade in winter underneath the trees and I have Ferntrees growing underneath.
   Thank you so much for all your info.

5. Hi Mariaan

   Thanks for visiting our site.

   Without seeing the trees and the settings it’s difficult to advise you.

   It sounds like you’ve a mini forest. I don’t advocate cutting down established trees without reason, so I’d suggest you leave them. By allowing them to co-exist you’ll get to witness how marvellous nature is at sharing resources like light and water. Both species are fantastic wildlife-attracting plants, so enjoy their shade.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

6. Hi Glenice. I have a White Stinkwood tree and a Ficus tree about 3 meters apart and 8 meters high. They are more or less the same height. The Ficus is evergreen and a beautiful tree. Must I cut down the Stinkwood, because they are growing huge and I don’t want the stinkwood tree to cause any damages to the Ficus. They are not close to any buildings as we are living on a small holding. Thank you so much for your response.
   Mariaan

7. Hi Mariaan

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   This is a common mistake but it seems that you may have some success in transplanting as they’re relatively newly planted. Remember to remove as much of the root ball as possible. Try to do this on a cool day and water well in the new planting position.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

8. I planted 3 White Karees a year ago and it’s too close to the neighbours wall. They are about 3 meters high, will they die is I remove them to another place.
   Thanks Mariaan

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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.

17. Hi Ian

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook and for your very useful comments.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

18. 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