Abstract:
Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen., commonly known
as the violet tree, belongs to the family Polygalaceae. It is widely
distributed in tropical Africa, Mozambique, as well as in the North-
West and Limpopo provinces of South Africa. The Vhavenda people
use the roots of this species as an aphrodisiac. The species is co-dominant
in the savanna vegetation of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. This
research looked at the ecology of the study species within the Nylsvley
Nature Reserve because of its importance there. Understanding
the population structure and environmental factors that impact on
the species might help in assessing the population in urban areas.
The population of the study species in the reserve displayed an adequate
growth curve, when looking at its stem circumference and
height-size classes. High intensity fires showed a negative effect on
individuals of S. longepedunculata. Evidence of animals feeding on
the roots at the study species was also recorded in the study.
