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Dune Crow‑berry
Searsia crenata
SA tree no: 380.1
English: Dune Crow‑berry
Afrikaans: Duinekraaibessie
Historical botanical names: Rhus crenata
Searsia crenata, often called dune crow‑berry or duinekraaibessie, is an evergreen coastal shrub or small tree with shiny leathery leaves and small creamy‑white flowers in autumn, followed by red‑brown to pale-black berries favoured by birds.
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Distinguishing features:
Evergreen shrub or small tree, 3–5 m tall
Leaves trifoliolate, leathery, dark green above, lighter below; upper third of leaflet margin scalloped
Small, inconspicuous white to cream flowers in clusters during autumn to April
Round berries that are red‑brown to pale‑black, eaten by birds
No spines on the tree
Overall appearance:
An evergreen shrub or small tree up to 3–5 m tall, multi‑branched, without spines; leaves shiny and leathery; berries noticeable among foliage.
Height:
3–5 m
Leaves:
Trifoliolate leaves (three leaflets per leaf); leaflets narrow obovate to rounded, 10–20 mm long; leathery; dark green above and lighter below; upper third of leaflet margin scalloped; leaflets appear hairless.
Flowers:
Small, white to almost cream; insignificant but in small clusters at tips of branchlets; flowering season from autumn to April.
Flowering season:
Autumn to April
Fruits:
Small round berries; colour originally red‑brown, maturing to pale‑black; produced in heavy crops.
Stems:
Multi‑branched stems; no spines; older stems woody.
Soil type:
Sandy soils, particularly on coastal and inland dunes.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun; also grows in morning or afternoon semi‑shade; very drought tolerant and semi‑frost hardy.
Uses:
Excellent sand binder for coastal gardens
Effective windbreaker and useful as a trimmed hedge
Good bonsai subject
Attracts birds that feed on fruits
Ecology:
Produces heavy crops of berries that are popular with birds; also many butterflies breed on Searsia species.
Distribution and habitat:
Occurs naturally from the Cape Peninsula to Umzumbe in southern KwaZulu-Natal; forms dense colonies on coastal and inland dunes.
Derivation of name:
The species name crenata refers to the scalloped (crenate) margins of the leaflets.
Interesting facts:
The scientific name crenata is a clue: its leaf edges are scalloped—nature’s little wavy lines.
Even though its flowers are small and plain, it makes up for them with bright berries that birds love—making it a hotspot of activity!
You can shape it into a neat hedge or try it as bonsai, so it’s like a super flexible garden performer.
Growing tips:
Propagate from cuttings taken about two months before flowering (around December–February)
Use well-drained sandy soil; pots should drain well too
Plant in full sun or semi-shade; very drought tolerant; can survive light frost
Prune to shape as a windbreak or hedge; also suitable for bonsai
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Anacardiaceae (Greek plant name) - Order: Sapindales