Wild Violet Tree – 5 Seeds

Wild Violet Tree (Securidaca longepedunculata) is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 6 m high, with characteristic pale grey smooth bark. Flowers are sweetly scented, in short bunches, pink to purple and are produced in early summer. They are about 10 mm long and are each borne on a long, slender stalk  It is a highly regarded medicinal and magical tree. It is very attractive to birds, butterflies and insects especially when in flower. The tree has a protected status in South Africa, due to the over-harvesting for use in local medicines.

Common names: violet tree, fibre tree (Eng.); krinkhout , rooipeultjie, seepbasboom (Afr.); mpesu (tshiVenda); mmaba (Tswana), iphuphuma (isiZulu)

Medicinal Benefits

• Used in the treatment of chest complaints, toothache, headache, inflammation,  tuberculosis, infertility problems, venereal diseases and for constipation.

Growing Wild Violet Tree

Indoor Sowing: Not Recommended.

Direct Sowing: Spring and Summer.

• Seeds should be direct sown, as the the tree does not transplant well.
• Soak seeds overnight in warm water.
• Plant directly in sandy soil and water well.
• Germination can be very difficult or erratic and it can take several months for germination to occur.