The wonder cure of the violet tree

AGRI-PULSE - NORTH WEST - In all countries of the world there exists traditional knowledge related to health practices for humans and animals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the world's population relies on traditional medicine to meet their daily health requirements.

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In most parts of rural Africa, reliance on traditional medicines is partly owing to the high cost of modern medicine. Traditional medicinal practices have been passed on by word of mouth from one generation to the next by herbalists and traditional healers. These systems are also more culturally acceptable to the locals. Plants are therefore an indispensable source of medicinal preparations - both preventive and curative. The plants are also used in religious ceremonies as well as for witchcraft purposes.

Die Securidaca longepedunculata (violet tree) is 'n lid van die Milkwort Familie (Polygalaceae). However, the pea-sized flowers of the plant can give the impression that it rather belongs to the Pea Family (Fabaceae). The genus name, Securidaca is derived from the Latin securis, meaning hatchet, and refers to the wing of the fruit which is hatchet shaped. The species name longependuculatus / -a / -um refers to the flowers with long pedicels. The savanna tree is found in the Northwest and Limpopo provinces of South Africa, in Mozambique, and is widely distributed in tropical Africa. Elsewhere in Africa, the plant is known as "the king of all medicines", in tribute to its numerous medicinal uses.