Searsia discolor

Searsia discolor is a dwarf shrub, small compared to other species in the Searsia genus, but bigger in leaf size than most of them. The central leaflet may be as long as 13 cm, the lateral ones 10 cm. Leaf shape is broadly linear to oblanceolate. The apices of leaflets are pointed, the bases tapering. The midribs and lateral veins are prominent on the lower surface. The stems are hairy as are the trifoliolate leaves.

The upper surface of the leaflet is grey-green, the lower one creamy white. The contrast may be described botanically as discolorous, based on the Latin word discolor, the specific name of the plant. The new leaf tips appear white and woolly also on the upper surfaces as in the photo that was taken on the Magaliesberg during November. 

The tiny flowers appear in axillary sprays from late spring to autumn. The fruits are globose drupes.

There is a large underground rootstock, not typical of plants of the genus generally (Schmidt, et al, 2002).