Name changes in the Old World Rhus and recognition of Searsia (Anacardiaceae)

The background to and status of the genus Searsia F.A.Barkley (Anacardiaceae) is discussed and reasons given as to why it is the correct name for those Old World species in the Rhus complex fonnely regarded as subgenus Thezera (DC.) K.Koch (section Gerontogeae Engl.). An annotated list of all the accepted 111 species and 28 fiirther infraspecific taxa in Searsia is presented, and where necessary, new combinations are made and types are designated.