Securidaca longepedunculata

It is a fairly small to medium-sized tree, measuring between 6 and 12 meters tall. It has pale grey, smooth bark with leaves that grow in clusters. Its small branches are covered in very fine hair. The tree produces flowers in the early part of the austral summer, and these progress from a pink to purple colour. They are sweetly scented and grow in small bunches on a peduncle. The fruit is round and is attached to a wing that becomes up to 40 mm long. The tree carries fruit between April and August. ==Range and habitat==

S. longepedunculata is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to the Northern Provinces of South Africa. ==Threats and conservation==

The species suffers from over-harvesting for use in local medicines. Periodic droughts and bush fires are also a hazard for the propagation of this tree. It is listed on the National Forests Act of 1998 of South Africa, where it is noted as a protected tree. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has also included the species in their “Adopt a seed - save a species” campaign. The campaign enables the public to purchase a Violet tree in order to protect the species and assist local communities in Mali. The initiative forms part of the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership. == Research and applications in traditional medicine ==

Recent ethnopharmacological studies have highlighted the significance of Securidaca longepedunculata, commonly known as the violet tree or mpesu, in traditional African medicine. The plant is utilized for various medicinal purposes, including as an aphrodisiac to address low libido. A comprehensive review by Mongalo et al. (2015) documents its use in treating sexually transmitted infections and as an aphrodisiac for men. The roots of S. longepedunculata are particularly valued in traditional medicine. However, this has led to overexploitation, as the harvesting of roots can be detrimental to the plant's survival. The South African National Biodiversity Institute notes that the species is threatened due to the targeting of its roots for medicinal use. In response to conservation concerns, organizations like African Heals have initiated efforts to sustainably cultivate S. longepedunculata to ensure the plant's availability for future generations. Collaborations with institutions such as the University of South Africa (UNISA) have been established, where the plant is supplied for research purposes aimed at validating its medicinal properties and exploring sustainable harvesting methods. These combined efforts in research and conservation are crucial for preserving S. longepedunculata, ensuring that its medicinal benefits can continue to be utilized while maintaining ecological balance. ==Common uses==

The uses made of the plant in Africa are many. It is used in traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of conditions, from minor transient ailments such as headaches to severe, chronic conditions such as arthritis. This tree is also commonly used as pesticide against beetles in stored grains. This technique can be very helpful for small-scale subsistence farmers in Africa who are not able to purchase synthetic pesticides. The roots are used to treat human ailments such as coughs, respiratory infections, toothache, gout, fevers, constipation, diabetes and microbial infections. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce arthritic pains. Soap, fishing nets, and baskets can be made with the bark of the tree. This tree is also used by subsistence farmers in maintaining their granaries: the bark and roots are ground into powder and mixed with stored grains for their pesticidal effect against various beetles. This alternative to synthetic pesticides is necessary for small-scale farmers in Africa who may not have the resources or money needed for synthetic pesticides. As a pesticide Its roots can be ground into a fine powder which is used to protect stored grains. A mixture of methanol extract and methyl salicylate creates a very effective natural pesticide against weevils and other insects in stored grains. Studies done on grains such as corn and cowpea indicated that after 6 days of exposure to S. longepedunculata, the mortality rate of adult beetles was 100% in an enclosed jar. S. longepedunculata is used for various different purposes, and they often involve the roots of the plant. If the root of the plant is always being cut, it is difficult for the plant to be harvested constantly. There is little incentive to invest in a project like this because there is no assurance that the starting material can be reproduced in sufficient quantities. In addition, studies have shown that a specific concentration of the active ingredient, methyl salicylate, is needed for the powder to effectively work as a pesticide. Improved technologies are needed in order to fully cover all the seeds with the powder in order for the repellent to work. Turning over the crops and mixing it by hand can be very labor-intensive for the farmer and it doesn’t always assure full coverage of the seeds. One solution could be to create an extract by mixing the powder with water. An extract would be useful for maize seeds because the glassy surface of maize prevents the powder from adhering to its surface. This will allow the pesticide to be evenly spread out, although more tests and studies need to be done to improve this technique. ==References==