Violet Tree

Securidaca longipedunculata

Physical Characteristics

Securidaca longipedunculata is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Africa - widespread from Senegal to Eritrea and Ethiopia, south to S. Africa, avoiding the moistest regions.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[418 ]. Eaten as a vegetable or in sauces[303 , 418 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Antitussive Laxative Odontalgic The plant has 100 medicinal uses[214]. The violet tree is the most popular of all the traditional medicinal plants in South Africa, where it is used for almost every conceivable ailment[295 ]. It is also popularly used throughout its range. The roots are extremely poisonous, smell like wintergreen oil and contain methyl salicylate which may partly indicate why they have a wide diversity of uses, such as arrow poison in some parts of Africa including West Africa[295 ]. The plant is said to have 100 medicinal uses[214 ]. The roots and bark are taken orally either powdered or as infusions for treating chest complaints, headache, inflammation, abortion, ritual suicide, tuberculosis, infertility problems, venereal diseases and for constipation[295 ]. Toothache can also be relieved by chewing the roots[295 ]. Mixed roots of the violet tree and dwarf custard apple are used to treat gonorrhoea. Powdered roots or wood scrapings are used to treat headache by rubbing them on the forehead, while infusions from the roots are used to wash tropical ulcer[295 ]s. In Limpopo, the vhaVenda people use roots for mental disorders and as protection against children's illness during breastfeeding[295 ]. It is also believed that many African people use the powdered violet tree roots as a sexual boost for men[295 ]. The vhaVenda people mix the powdered root with mageu (maize or sorghum beverage) and it is given to a man to drink if he is sexually weak. In Zimbabwe, the roots are used to treat people who are believed to be possessed by evil spirits, for snakebite as well as for coughs when pounded with water and salt[295 ].

Known Hazards

The tree, but especially the roots, are toxic if taken in excess[418 ]. A saponin found in the roots can cause severe damage to bone marrow and haemolysis when in contact with blood[303 ]. The solid portion of the root is said to be the most lethal[303 ]. The root bark also contains 0.42% methyl salicylate. Severe poisoning can result from ingestion of 10 - 30ml of methyl salicylate[303 ]. In Zambia the crushed and powdered roots are used as an intravaginal or intrarectal poison, and in Gambia as a fish poison[303 ]. Bark, roots and seeds are used in arrow poison, and root can be used as a snake repellent[303 ].