Violet Tree
(Securidaca longepedunculata)
Violet Tree (Securidaca longepedunculata)
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Robert Taylor
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Robert Taylor
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Robert Taylor | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Robert Taylor | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2022-10-10T08:50:37Z |

















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Securidaca longepedunculata, commonly known as the Violet Tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the savannahs and open woodlands of tropical Africa, from West Africa to South Africa. It typically grows to a height of up to 10 meters with a spreading crown. The Violet Tree is notable for its slender branches and long peduncles bearing clusters of fragrant, purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators. It also produces distinctive winged fruits that are dispersed by wind.
The Violet Tree is valued for its medicinal uses in traditional African medicine, where various parts of the plant are used to treat a range of ailments. Its ornamental purple flowers make it a popular choice for tropical gardens. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained soils, and it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It is used for reforestation projects and as a living fence in agricultural landscapes. However, gardeners should be aware that it may require pruning to maintain a desirable shape and that it can be susceptible to pests such as scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Violet Tree is valued for its medicinal uses in traditional African medicine, where various parts of the plant are used to treat a range of ailments. Its ornamental purple flowers make it a popular choice for tropical gardens. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained soils, and it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It is used for reforestation projects and as a living fence in agricultural landscapes. However, gardeners should be aware that it may require pruning to maintain a desirable shape and that it can be susceptible to pests such as scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Width: 15-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Savannahs and open woodlands of tropical Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Violet tree, Long stalked securidaca, Eyefi, Mutiatu, Mutshatsha, Nyakase, False pear, Widapia
Scientific Names: , Securidaca longepedunculata, Elsota longipedunculata, Lophostylis angustifolia, Lophostylis oblongifolia, Lophostylis pallida, Securidaca angustifolia, Securidaca longepedunculata var. angustifolia, Securidaca oblongifolia, Securidaca oblongifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: