Dune crow-berry

Searsia crenata

Scientific name

Formally known as Rhus crenata

Binds soil, great wind-breaker and hedge.

Lots of fruit for birds. Many butterflies breed on Searsia species.

Propagation instructions

By cutting

Propagation from cuttings is relatively easy. Cuttings should be made two months before the flowering season, between December and February. Cutting material works best at the length of 70mm and all new growth at the tip of the cutting should be removed. Remove one third at the base of the cutting and dip it in a fungicide solution. Allow the cutting ends to dry and then dip it in a rooting hormone agent; hormone powder works well, but ensure that you shake off any excess powder. Use the following mix for your cuttings: 50% milled pine bark with 50% coarse river sand. You also have the option to use polystyrene or perlite in the place of river sand. Cuttings perform best if they are placed on a heating bench with an automated irrigation system and enough air movement in the greenhouse. Cuttings should develop roots within three to five weeks, after which they can be removed from the greenhouse to a hardening-off section, where an organic fertilizer can be applied to cuttings. Once cuttings reach a height of at least 100mm, pot them up in a mixture of 50% compost and 50% coarse river sand with a slow-release fertilizer, or a mixture of 60% fine milled bark and 40% coarse river sand (E. Hull pers. comm.).