Blue Kuni-bush

Edibility: 

The currant-like fruits are edible, but quite sour, but may have a slightly sour or astringent taste. They can be used to make jams and jellies.

Uses:

• Soil conservation: Good for conserving soil, preventing erosion, and often used for stabilising coastal dunes.

• Garden subject: A good garden subject in harsh coastal environments.

• Landscaping: Can be grown as a specimen shrub or in a group. If planted closely together, plants will form a solid barrier, making it suitable for use as a screen for unattractive views or to provide privacy, as windbreaks, and/or barriers against noise.

• Hedges: Can be clipped into a hedge.

• Cut flowers: Female plants have bunches of currant-sized red or yellow berries, which are sometimes used in flower arrangements.

• Traditional uses: The dried ripe fruits of Searsia species (including S. glauca as it's closely related to those mentioned) were used traditionally as important ingredients of mead (honey beer or honey wine). Some Searsia species are still used as traditional sources of yeast for brewing.

Ecology:

• Plays an important role as a pioneer species in plant succession, establishing itself under harsh environmental conditions such as drought, salt spray, and high wind.

• Bees and other insects pollinate the flowers.

• Birds eat the ripe berries.

• A wide variety of butterflies breed on various Searsia species.

• Can be grown in a bird- and an insect-friendly garden.

Distribution and habitat:

• Commonly found along the coastline of southern Africa.

• Ranges from near Kentani in southern Transkei in the Eastern Cape, down the coast all the way to the Cape Peninsula, and up to Velddrif in the southwestern Cape.

• Also occurs further inland, reaching the Little Karoo near Worcester and Oudtshoorn, as well as the Baviaanskloof, near Steytlerville.

• Most common near the coast, occurring on coastal dunes, bush, and along watercourses.

• Also found inland among fynbos vegetation, on gravelly slopes in succulent karoo and xeric thicket.

Derivation of name:

• The genus Searsia is named for Paul B. Sears (1891–1990), an American ecologist.

• The species name glauca is Latin, meaning 'bluish-grey' or 'glaucous', referring to the distinctive bluish hue of the leaves.

• This species was formerly known as Rhus glauca. Many species previously in the genus Rhus in southern Africa have now been placed in Searsia.

Historical aspects: 

The Searsia genus plays an important ecological role as pioneer species and has traditional uses, including fruits for mead.

Interesting facts:

• This plant is like the superhero of coastal gardening! It can stand up to strong winds, salty air, and even drought, making it perfect for tough spots where other plants might struggle.

• Even though its name "Blue Kuni-bush" refers to its bluish leaves, its berries ripen to a reddish-brown, giving it a colourful display later in the year.

• It's a "dioecious" plant, which sounds fancy, but it just means that you need a male plant and a female plant to get those yummy berries that birds love. It's like having separate boy and girl plants for fruit production!

• If you crush its leaves, they release a resinous smell – a bit like a hidden scent secret!

Growing tips:

• Planting location: Searsia glauca loves full sun and is perfect for coastal gardens where it can handle wind and salt spray like a champ.

• Soil: It's not too fussy about soil, as long as it's well-drained. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal.

• Watering: Once established, it's pretty drought-resistant, so it won't need constant watering. It's a great choice for water-wise gardening.

• Pruning: To keep it looking neat and bushy, give it some light pruning. You can even shape it into a small tree or clip it into a hedge.

• Propagation: You can easily grow new plants from seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings. Collect the shiny brown seeds once they're dry. For cuttings, take them and place them in a good rooting medium.