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 angustifolia is a South African endemic species from the Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. It is synonymously known as Rhus angustifolia. It grows into a shrub or small tree of 2 meters to 4 times tall. It has three-foliate leaves. During spring it bears small yellowish flowers. It is usually found growing along rivers in dry areas.