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 lucida synonymously known as Rhus lucida and commonly known as Varnished Kuni-rhus in English and Blinktaaibos in Afrikaans is a South African indigenous species. It grows into a shrub or small tree 1 meter to 5 meters tall. It has dark green leaves. From autumn to spring it bears tiny yellow flowers which are followed by decorative fruits. This species is well suited to coastal gardens.