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 batophylla is a South African endemic species from the Limpopo Province where it can be found growing in dry bushveld, in low-lying areas and along watercourses at altitudes of 650-975 meters. It grows into a shrub of up to 2 meters tall. It has ash-grey leaves. It bears large sprays of wine-coloured berries. This is an extremely attractive plant.