Overview
Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen. var. parvifolia Oliv. is a species of flowering plant that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is a member of the Polygalaceae family and is commonly known as the "violet tree".
Appearance
The tree grows up to 25m tall, and has a distinctly straight trunk and a rounded canopy that is comprised of oblong or oval-shaped leaves. Its bark is smooth and brown, and the tree produces showy violet to purple flowers that have a distinct fragrance. The fruit of the tree is a brown, woody capsule that is approximately 1cm in length, and contains small black seeds.
Uses
The bark and leaves of the violet tree have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. It is said to have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, and is used to alleviate fever, pain, and inflammation. In some regions, the bark is also used to treat skin ailments such as eczema. The tree is also used for firewood and timber as it is hard and durable.
Growth Conditions of Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen. var. parvifolia Oliv.
Light: Securidaca longipedunculata grows in a wide range of light conditions. It prefers partial shade to full sun, but can also tolerate very bright sunlight. In fact, it can be found in the understory of forests and in open savanna areas.
Temperature: The preferred temperature range for Securidaca longipedunculata is between 25-30°C during the day and 15-20°C at night. The plant can tolerate temperatures as high as 40°C and as low as 10°C, but growth may be stunted outside of its preferred range.
Soil: Securidaca longipedunculata thrives in well-draining, fertile soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils and does not tolerate heavy, clay soils. The ideal soil should contain high amounts of organic matter, have good water-holding capacity and be rich in nutrients.
Moisture: The plant requires moderate to high levels of moisture and cannot tolerate prolonged periods of drought. It is suitable for areas with annual rainfall ranging from 750-2500mm.
Altitude: Securidaca longipedunculata can grow at altitudes up to 1,500 meters above sea level. It is commonly found in lowland areas, but can also thrive in higher-elevation regions.
Cultivation
Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen. var. parvifolia Oliv. is a tree that grows up to 20 meters tall and is usually grown from seeds. The seeds must be sown in a well-draining soil mixture at a depth of 1-2 cm. It is ideal to sow the seeds in the spring when the soil is warm.
The tree prefers full sunlight and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, the soil must be well-draining to avoid waterlogging that can lead to root rot.
Watering Needs
Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen. var. parvifolia Oliv. requires moderate watering, especially during the first year of growth. Young plants should be watered frequently but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Mature plants are mostly drought-resistant and can withstand a long period without water.
It is essential to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. One can check the soil moisture level by inserting a finger into the soil to a depth of up to 5cm. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water the plant.
Fertilization
The plant requires light fertilization with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Be cautious not to over-fertilize with excess nitrogen that can lead to excessive foliage growth and hinder the flowering process. During the non-growing season, the tree will do well without fertilizing.
Pruning
Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen. var. parvifolia Oliv. requires minimal pruning as it develops attractive branches with beautiful flowers and fruits without any help. However, pruning is essential to remove diseased, damaged, or dead branches and to promote a more robust, healthier structure.
The ideal time to prune the tree is during the late winter or early spring. It is recommended to use sterilized pruning shears to avoid spreading any diseases.
Propagation of Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen. var. parvifolia Oliv.
Propagation of Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen. var. parvifolia Oliv. can be done by two ways.
Seeds Propagation
The propagation of Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen. var. parvifolia Oliv. can be done through seeds, which are collected from matured fruits in the wild, and the viability ranges from 65% to 90%. Seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours before planting, and then sowed in well-drained loamy soils. Germination begins within two weeks of planting, and it takes about three months for the seedlings to attain adequate heights for transplanting.
Vegetative Propagation
Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen. var. parvifolia Oliv. can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. The cuttings are taken from mature plants, and their bases are treated with rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in soil that has good drainage and is rich in nutrients.
A high percentage of rooting success can be achieved using this method, and the resulting plant has the same genetic makeup as the parent plant. Vegetative propagation is often used to propagate cultivars or other desirable traits from a parent plant.
Disease and pest management for Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen. var. parvifolia Oliv. plant
Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen. var. parvifolia Oliv. is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh conditions and pests. However, like any plant, it may be susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some common ones and how to manage them:
Diseases
Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. Overwatering, poor drainage, and polluted soil can all contribute to root rot. To prevent this disease, make sure you plant the Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen. var. parvifolia Oliv. in well-draining soil. Ensure that you do not overwater or underwater it. In case of infection, remove and destroy the infected roots and then treat the remaining with a fungicide solution.
Leaf spots: The leaf spot disease is caused by a fungal or bacterial pathogen that creates black or brown spots on the plant's leaves. This disease can weaken the plant, affecting its growth and survival. To prevent this disease, use clean techniques when pruning the plant. Immediately remove and destroy infected leaves, and apply a fungicide or bactericide to stop the outbreak.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and necrosis. Aphids can be managed by washing them off the plant with water or dusting them with insecticidal soap. You can also introduce ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps to control the aphid population.
Spider mites: Spider mites create tiny webs on the plant's leaves, making them look sickly and reducing their photosynthetic capabilities. Spider mites love dry and warm environments. To manage spider mites, you can increase the humidity around the plant and avoid overfertilization. You can also wash the plant with water or apply insecticidal soap.
Slugs and snails: These pests are active at night and tend to feed on young seedlings and leaves, often leaving behind holes and nibbles. To manage them, use copper barriers, remove any plant debris lying around, water the plant in the morning instead of at night, and use bait or traps. You can also introduce beneficial predators like ducks and chickens to control their population.
