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our trees

Violet tree, Mmaba -Securidaca longipedunculata
A small to medium-sized tree, measuring between 6 and 12 metres tall. The Violet tree is
hardy, deciduous and hermaphrodite, with pale grey smooth bark, and flowers that are sweetly
scented, in short bunches, pink to purple, produced in early summer. The fruit is round, with a
distinctive membranous wing, like half a sycamore; purplish green when still young, becoming
pale straw-coloured, seen between April and August. This tree is found in woodland and arid
savanna soils. It is very attractive to birds, butterflies and insects especially when in flower.
The Violet tree is commonly gathered from the wild for medicinal use and also as a food and
source of materials, but suffers from over-harvesting and is protected in South Africa. What
makes it so threatened is the fact that the roots are the target for people using this plant,
which makes it difficult for the plant to survive constant harvesting. A beautiful example can
be seen along the roadside in Serinane village, 20km before Letlhakeng.
It is also an ornamental plant, and can be grown as a hedge. The bark of the roots, or the
pounded seeds, can be used as a soap for washing and bleaching items. A fibre obtained from
the inner bark can be used like cotton to weave a coarse cloth. The wood is light yellow with
markedly dark growth rings. It is soft, spongy, but durable and resists the attacks of termites.
The plant does very poorly after transplanting. Seeds should either be sown in deep, individual
containers and planted out when still small, or they should be sown in situ and given
appropriate care. Grows best in a light, well-drained soil, succeeding even if the soil fertility is
low. Text & Photos: by S C

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