Securidaca longipedunculata aka Violet Tree
Taxonomy ID: 21192
Securidaca longipedunculata, commonly known as the Violet Tree or Fibre Tree, is a deciduous small to medium-sized tree belonging to the Polygalaceae family. Native to tropical and southern Africa, this remarkable species holds significant cultural, medicinal, and practical importance across its extensive range.
The tree typically grows between 6 and 12 meters tall, developing a much-branched, open, and somewhat straggly-looking crown. Its bark is pale grey and smooth, while the bole is often flattened or slightly fluted. The branches may be spiny, and young twigs are covered in fine hairs. The generic name Securidaca derives from the Latin word 'securis' meaning hatchet, referring to the distinctive shape of the nut with its curved membranous wing, while 'longipedunculata' refers to the notably long flower stalks.
The leaves are variable in size and shape, ranging from broadly oblong to very narrowly elliptic, measuring 1-5 cm long and 0.5-1.8 cm wide. They grow alternately, often clustered on dwarf spur branchlets that may be spine-tipped. Young leaves have very fine hairs which they lose as they mature.
In early summer, the tree produces sweetly scented flowers in short terminal and axillary sprays about 30-50 mm long. The individual flowers are pink to purple, approximately 10 mm long, each borne on a characteristic long, slender stalk (peduncle). The blooms are extremely attractive to bees, butterflies, birds, and other insects, making the species valuable for honey production.
The fruits are distinctive and ornamental, consisting of a round nut with a membranous wing up to 40 mm long. They start purplish-green when young and mature to a pale straw colour, visible on the tree between April and August.
The Violet Tree occupies a broad ecological range across Africa, from Senegal to Eritrea and Ethiopia, extending southward to South Africa. It grows in diverse habitats from semi-arid scrub to dense forest, including woodland, bushland, arid savanna, and gallery forests at elevations up to 1,600 meters. The species demonstrates remarkable fire resistance and drought tolerance, though it is frost-sensitive.
Regarded as perhaps the most popular traditional medicinal plant in South Africa, particularly among the Venda people, the Violet Tree has been used for treating an extraordinarily wide range of ailments. However, the roots are extremely poisonous, containing saponins that cause severe bone marrow damage and blood hemolysis, plus methyl salicylate. Historically, the toxic roots were used as arrow poison and fish poison across Africa. Due to intensive harvesting of its roots for traditional medicine, the species has become threatened and holds protected status in South Africa, despite being globally classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Beyond its medicinal significance, the tree provides valuable fiber from its inner bark (comparable to flax in quality), oil-rich seeds used cosmetically, wood for construction, and serves as an attractive ornamental specimen when in flower.
Common names
Violet Tree, Fibre Tree, Krinkhout, Rooipeultjie, Seepbasboom, Mpesu, Mmaba, Iphuphuma, SateneMore information about Violet Tree
How difficult is Securidaca longipedunculata to grow?
Securidaca longipedunculata is considered an expert-level plant to cultivate. Seeds are difficult to germinate and the plant does not like being disturbed once established. Root cuttings offer a more successful alternative propagation method.
How often should I water Securidaca longipedunculata?
The Violet Tree prefers moderately moist soil but is also drought-resistant once established. In its native African habitat, it thrives with 600-1,000mm of annual rainfall, though it can tolerate 500-1,300mm. Water regularly during establishment and growing seasons, but the tree can handle dry periods typical of its savanna habitat.
What soil does Securidaca longipedunculata need?
Securidaca longipedunculata is adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy), medium (loamy), and heavy (clay) soils. It prefers a pH range of 5-7 but tolerates pH 4.5-7.5. The tree can grow in soils of low fertility. Well-drained soil is beneficial, particularly during establishment, as the deep taproot is sensitive to waterlogging.
What temperature does Securidaca longipedunculata need?
The Violet Tree grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within 20-30°C, though it can tolerate a range of 16-36°C. It is frost-sensitive and can only survive brief exposures to approximately 1°C. This tropical African native requires warm conditions year-round and is only suitable outdoors in USDA zones 10-12.
How do I propagate Securidaca longipedunculata?
Propagation is challenging for this species. Root shoot cuttings offer a more reliable alternative method.
How big does Securidaca longipedunculata grow?
Securidaca longipedunculata is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, typically reaching 6-12 meters (20-40 feet) in height at maturity. It develops a much-branched, open, rather straggly-looking crown. The trunk (bole) is often flattened or slightly fluted with pale grey, smooth bark. Growth is relatively slow, and the species is long-lived in suitable conditions.
When and how does Securidaca longipedunculata flower?
The Violet Tree produces sweetly scented pink to purple flowers in early summer. Individual flowers are about 10mm long, borne on characteristically long, slender stalks (peduncles) in terminal and axillary sprays 30-50mm long. The flowers appear with very young leaves and are extremely attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. In Eritrea, the tree is valued as one of the most important lowland honey sources.
Does Securidaca longipedunculata have a fragrance?
Yes, the Violet Tree produces sweetly scented flowers. The fragrant pink to purple blooms appear in early summer and are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. The pleasant floral scent contributes to its value as an ornamental specimen and its importance in honey production across its African range.
Can Securidaca longipedunculata be grown outdoors?
Securidaca longipedunculata can only be grown outdoors in warm climates corresponding to USDA hardiness zones 10-12 (UK zone 10). It is frost-sensitive and requires warm temperatures year-round. The tree is naturally found at elevations up to 1,600 meters in tropical and subtropical Africa. It is fire-resistant but not cold-hardy, making outdoor cultivation limited to tropical and warm subtropical regions.
What are the medicinal uses of Securidaca longipedunculata?
Securidaca longipedunculata is described as perhaps the most popular traditional medicinal plant in South Africa, with approximately 100 documented uses. The roots and bark are used to treat chest complaints, headaches, inflammation, tuberculosis, infertility, venereal diseases, constipation, toothache, snakebite, coughs, and mental disorders. However, the roots are EXTREMELY POISONOUS and must only be used under expert guidance. Self-medication is dangerous as ingesting 10-30ml of the root's methyl salicylate content causes severe poisoning.
Is Securidaca longipedunculata edible?
Only the young leaves of Securidaca longipedunculata are edible when cooked. They are traditionally prepared as a vegetable or used in sauces. The edibility rating is low (1 out of 5) as this represents the only edible part of the tree. CAUTION: The roots are extremely poisonous and other parts should be avoided. The toxic compounds include saponins and methyl salicylate.
What other uses does Securidaca longipedunculata have?
Beyond medicine, the Violet Tree has numerous practical applications. The inner bark produces high-quality fiber similar to flax, used for weaving cloth and making rope. Seeds yield oil used cosmetically or as furniture stain. Root bark and pounded seeds serve as soap substitutes. The soft, light yellow wood resists termites and is used for construction, poles, brooms, fuel, and charcoal. The roots are also effective as a molluscicide for pest control.
How is Securidaca longipedunculata pollinated?
Securidaca longipedunculata is primarily pollinated by insects, particularly bees. The sweetly scented pink to purple flowers are extremely attractive to bees, butterflies, birds, and other insects during the flowering period in early summer. The tree is hermaphrodite (having both male and female organs) and is valued for honey production, being one of the most important lowland honey sources in countries like Eritrea.
