Searsia lancea commonly known as karee (archaically karree), is an evergreen, frost hardy, drought resistant tree, which can reach up to 8 metres in height with a 5-metre spread.

It is one of the most common trees on the Highveld and in the Bushveld in South Africa, but not found in the Lowveld.

In North America, where it is naturalised, it is known as African sumac and willow rhus.

[9] It has a graceful, weeping form and dark, fissured bark that contrasts well with its long, thinnish, hairless, dark-green, trifoliate leaves with smooth margins.

In earlier times the fruits were pounded, water added and left to ferment, producing an evidently refreshing beer.