Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Appelblaar, apple-leaf, rain tree, Mphata

Family: Fabaceae (Pea)

Distribution: Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga

Habitat: Fynbos

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

National red list: Least Concern

Comments: Philenoptera violacea has economic value as the wood is used to make good, attractive household articles such as grinding blocks and tool handles. Generally the wood is commercialised in making carvings, grain mortars, building poles and mealie stampers. In African tradition, it is also used to make dug-out canoes. The leaves of the apple-leaf tree provide forage for giraffes, and the pods serve as a source of nourishment to these animals. In southern Africa, P. violacea is used in traditional remedies. Most parts of the plant are used to treat diarrhoea. The roots are used for gastro-intestinal problems; powdered root-bark is used to treat colds and snakebite. Root infusions are commonly used as part of a hookworm remedy.