Searsia parviflora

Searsia parviflora, commonly known as the Small-leaved Fever Tree, is a resilient evergreen shrub native to Southern Africa. Valued for its medicinal properties, it is traditionally used to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to skin inflammation. This versatile plant plays a vital role in both ecological and healing practices.

  • Scientific name: Searsia parviflora
  • Family: Anacardiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Sapindales and the family Anacardiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Searsia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Anacardiaceae WCVP
Genus Searsia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Searsia parviflora, is known by several different common names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is most frequently referred to as the small-leaved karee, while in Afrikaans, it is commonly called kleinblaar-karee.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution throughout the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing across various regions of India and within the borders of Bangladesh. Its presence extends into the mountainous terrains of Nepal, showcasing its adaptability to diverse altitudes. Specifically, the species is documented to inhabit the East Himalaya and the West Himalaya regions. Together, these locations highlight the significant range this medicinal plant covers across South Asia.

Region Area Source
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh WCVP
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Nepal WCVP
Indian Subcontinent West Himalaya WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the small-leaved karee, possesses medicinal properties that are often associated with its various components, particularly its fruits. The small, fleshy drupes produced by Searsia parviflora serve as a significant part of the plant's reproductive structure and are a key feature for identification in the wild. In certain traditional applications, these fruits are studied or utilized for their specific chemical constituents, contributing to the overall pharmacological interest in the species.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆