Herb: Tree Violet


Latin name: Hymenanthera dentata


Synonyms: Hymenanthera banksii


Family: Violaceae (Violet Family)



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
6 m
(20 feet)

Flowering:
April

Habitat of Tree Violet:

River banks and on basalt and silurian soils to high elevations.

Other uses of the herb:

A light-fast purple dye is obtained from the berries. The plant makes a good screen or hedge. It is unlikely to be of any use for this purpose in Britain due to its tenderness. Wood - hard, bright yellow. Used for turnery.

Propagation of Tree Violet:

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in late winter or early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 4 - 5cm with a heel, July/August in a headily shaded frame. Pot up in spring. Good percentage. Cuttings of mature side-shoots, 4 - 5cm with a heel, October/November in a cold frame. Lift in the following April. High percentage.

Cultivation of the herb:

River banks and on basalt and silurian soils to high elevations.

Medicinal use of Tree Violet:

None known

Known hazards of Hymenanthera dentata:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.