Trees of the Year 2007

Common Tree: Common wild currant

National Tree Number: 392
Botanical name: Rhus pyroides ^(*)
Other names: Common wild currant, Fire-thorn karree (Eng.); Gewone taaibos (Afr); Motshakhutshakhu (North Sotho); Koditshane (South Sotho); Mogodiri (Tswana); Mutasiri (Venda); inHlokoshiyane (Zulu); Ntlokotshane (Xhosa)

Description:
A variable shrub or small tree up to 7m tall, usually with leafy branches from the ground level and a rounded crown.

Background: The Common wild currant is ecologically important in South Africa. It is found in many habitat and vegetation types, and it plays an important role as a pioneer species (plant species that first colonise and stabilise disturbed areas) in the cycle of plant succession. There are four varieties or sub-types of this tree.

Uses:
The wood is often used for implement handles, especially for axes. Also used for fencing poles. An important browsing tree to wild animals and stock.

Distribution:
Widely distributed in South Africa in a variety of habitats, from dry thornveld and open woodland to grassland, hills, river fringes and forest margins.

* Note on the New Genus Name: Continuing taxonomic research often results in the re-classification of certain tree species. All Rhus species in South Africa have recently been grouped into the genus Searsia, which means that Rhus pyroides will hence become known as Searsia pyroides.