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Scientific
Classification:
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Polygalaceae
- Genus: Securidaca
- Species: S. longepedunculata
Synonyms:
- Lophostylis angustifolia Hochst.
- Lophostylis oblongifolia Hochst.
- Lophostylis pallida Klotzsch
- Securidaca angustifolia Miq.
- Elsota longipedunculata (Fresen.) Kuntze
Species
ID: NMP-267;wfo-0000548319 Common
Names: Afrikaans
(krinkhout), Amharic (es a manahi), Arabic (saggat,alali), Bemba (mupapi),
English (violet tree,fibre tree,Rhodesian violet), Hausa (uwar
magunguna,sanya), Lozi (mwinda), Luganda (lilo), Lunda (mutata), Mandinka
(yodo,juto,jodo), Ndebele (umfuf Local Names: ·
Hausa: Uwar magunguna
- Yoruba: Ipeta
- Igbo: Uturukpa
Basic
Description:
Securidaca longepedunculata is a semi-deciduous shrub or small tree,
typically reaching heights of 2–6 meters. It features slender branches forming
an open crown, sometimes with drooping branchlets. The bark of young twigs is
yellow-green, becoming stringy and pale with age, while mature bark is rough
and grey, flaking to reveal yellow beneath. Leaves are alternate, thin, and
narrow, measuring up to 5 cm in length, initially hairy but becoming glabrous
as they mature. The tree produces sweet-scented pink or purple flowers arranged
in short bunches on long peduncles. Fruiting occurs between April and August,
yielding round fruits attached to a wing up to 4 cm long. Distribution
and Habitat:
Securidaca longepedunculata is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa,
thriving in a range of climatic conditions from arid to humid environments. It
is commonly found in savannas, woodlands, and Sahel regions, favoring sandy,
acidic, or rocky soils. In Nigeria, it is prevalent in the northern regions,
adapting well to various soil types and climatic conditions. Medicinal
Properties:
The violet tree is esteemed in traditional African medicine for treating a
multitude of ailments:
- Roots: Utilized to address coughs,
respiratory infections, toothaches, gout, fevers, constipation, diabetes,
and microbial infections. The roots contain methyl salicylate,
contributing to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In some
African regions, root extracts serve as arrow poison.
- Leaves and Bark: Employed in remedies for
headaches, mental disorders, and as protective measures for children
during breastfeeding.
- Pesticidal Use: The powdered roots and bark
are mixed with stored grains to deter beetle infestations, offering a
natural alternative to synthetic pesticides for subsistence farmers.
Known
Toxicity: While
Securidaca longepedunculata possesses therapeutic benefits, caution is
warranted due to its potent bioactive compounds. The roots, in particular, are
highly toxic if misused, with documented cases of poisoning from improper
preparation or dosage. Traditional use as arrow poison underscores its
potential toxicity. Therefore, it is imperative that any medicinal application
be conducted under the guidance of knowledgeable practitioners to ensure
safety. Additional
Information:
- Conservation Status: Overharvesting, especially
targeting the roots for medicinal use, poses a significant threat to the
species' survival. In South Africa, it is listed as a protected species
under the National Forests Act of 1998. Conservation efforts, including
sustainable harvesting practices and cultivation initiatives, are
essential to preserve this valuable plant.
- Ecological Role: The violet tree contributes to
biodiversity within its habitat, offering food and shelter to various
fauna. Its presence in traditional agroforestry systems aids in soil
conservation and provides resources for local communities.
- Cultural Significance: Beyond its medicinal
applications, Securidaca longepedunculata holds cultural importance
in various African societies, featuring in rituals and as a symbol in
folklore.
References:
- Ndou, A. P. (2006). Securidaca
longepedunculata. South African National Biodiversity Institute.
Retrieved from https://pza.sanbi.org/securidaca-longepedunculata
- Kew Science. (n.d.). Securidaca
longepedunculata Fresen. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved
from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:692714-1
- Wikipedia contributors. (2023).
Securidaca longepedunculata. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securidaca_longepedunculata
- World Agroforestry Centre.
(n.d.). Securidaca longepedunculata. Retrieved from
https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/AFT
External
Links - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securidaca_longipedunculata#:~:text=Securidaca%20longipedunculata%20(violet%20tree%2C%20Afrikaans,protected%20status%20in%20South%20Africa.
- https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1514
- https://options.nri.org/background/plants-database/securidaca-longepedunculata
- https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000503535
- https://www.gbif.org/species/5658133
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25724970/
- https://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=133960
- https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:692714-1
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