Searsia pendulina, commonly known as the White karee, is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree popular for its elegant, willowy form. This tree reaches a height of up to 10 metres and has an open crown with gently drooping branches giving it graceful appearance.

Although it is a popular tree in urban gardens, the White karee has a short lifespan of about 20 to 30 years depending on location, care and exposure of the tree to the environmental conditions. This tree is found growing naturally on the banks of rivers and vleis in a narrow strip that follows the Orange River from the Free State through the Northern Cape to southern Namibia.

The bark of the White karee begins smooth and light grey-brown on young branches but becomes coarser, darker, and scaly with age. Its compound leaves consist of three slender, lance-shaped leaflets, giving the tree a delicate, feathery look that responds beautifully to the wind. Small, greenish flowers appear in spring and early summer. They are rich in nectar, drawing in bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden. From December to May, it bears clusters of small green fruits that ripen to red and eventually dry to black, attracting a variety of fruit-eating birds such as bulbuls and starlings.

The tree’s non-invasive root system, makes it ideal for planting near buildings, streets, sidewalks, and parking areas. It is also excellent as a screening or windbreak plant, especially when grown in groups or as part of a natural shrubbery. This low maintenance tree is tolerant to drought and frost.