The genus Searsia was named after Paul B. Sears (1891-1990) who was head of the Yale School of Botany. The Anacardiaceae family is widespread in warmer parts of the world with about 111 species of Searsia occurring in southern Africa. Most of the species grown in southern Africa, belonging to the genus Rhus, have been placed in Searsia.

Searsia leptodictya, previously known as Rhus leptodictya, is known as Mountain Karee in English, Bergkaree in Afrikaans, and Mohlwehlwe in Sotho. It is an evergreen tree reaching a height of 5 metres and with a similar spread. It is drought resistant but only semi frost hardy. It is an attractive small tree with a rounded crown and a pleasing weeping effect. It can be planted in full sun or in partial shade. The tree bears small white flowers, which on female trees turn into bunches of small berry type fruit, which attract birds who feed on the berries. The tree is an attractive tree for a small garden. The Berries can be brewed into a beer.