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 lucens commonly known as Zambezi Karee is a South African indigenous species. It grows into a shrub or small tree of up to 4 meters tall. It has grey bark and almost circular leaves. During winter it bears small cream flowers which are followed by orange glossy fruit which in turn attract birds.