Vitex

Vitex is a genus of about 250 species of shrubs and trees, 1-35 m tall, native to tropical, subtropical and also warm temperate regions throughout the world. In the past widely included in the family Verbenaceae, it has recently been transferred to the family Lamiaceae.


Some species
Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) — commonly called just Vitex, but also called Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, or Monk's Pepper — is a native of the Mediterranean region. Refer to Vitex for other species in the genus. The leaves and tender stem growth of the upper 10 cm (4 inches), along with the flowers and ripening seeds, are harvested for medicinal purposes. The berries are harvested by gently rubbing the berries loose from the stem. The leaves, flowers, and/or berries may be consumed as a decoction, traditional tincture, cider vinegar tincture, syrup, elixir, or simply eaten straight off the plant as a medicinal food.

Vitex keniensis (also called Meru Oak) is a species of plant in the Verbenaceae family. It is endemic to Kenya. It is threatened by habitat loss. It is a magnificent tree when mature, being one of the largest trees that are native to Kenya. Due to its use as a good producer of attractive wood that is both durable and has an attractive grain is has been severely overexploited and is now very rare. It has a tall, straight trunk and the lightish green leaves have five leaflets arranged in a vaguely star-like formation. Each leaflet can be up to 25 cm long with a prominent midrib. Young trees are particularlt susceptible to a disease of the leaves that produces 'bubbles' all over the upper surface of the leaves which does not appear to affect the growth of the tree.

Vitex lucens - Puriri (Vitex lucens) is an evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand. Puriri is an invaluable food source for native wildlife, as it provides both fruit and nectar in seasons when few other species produce these, thus it is often used in restoration planting, eg. the Elvie McGregor Reserve between Waipoua Forest and Katui Scenic Reserve in Northland and on Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf. It is hoped that restoration planting, with trees such as puriri, will provide a year round food source for birds, boosting their populations. For example, puriri is highly valued as an aid in increasing kereru (native pigeon) populations. Maintaining kereru populations is particularly important for natural restoration and maintenance of forest remnants, as this bird is the main disperser of large fruited species.

Vitex negundo is a large, aromatic shrub with quadrangular, densely whitish, tomentose branchlets.

Vitex parviflora is a species of plant in the Verbenaceae family. It is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Vitex trifolia (Simpleleaf chastetree) is a large coastal shrub or small tree. Vitex trifolia is a large coastal shrub or small tree, less that 5 m in height with the stems covered by soft hairs (tomentose). The leaves are oppositely arranged along the stems and are usually compound, composed of 3 linear leaflets which range between 1 -12 cm in length. The upper surface of the leaves are green and the lower surface grayish green. The flowers are born in panicles or clusters up to 18 cm in length. Individual flowers have purple to violet two-lipped corollas that are approximately 5 mm long. The stamen are in two pairs and the ovary is superior, or develops above the corolla. The fleshy fruits are about 6 mm in diameter and contain 4 small black seeds.
Uses: The leaves are used to treat female ailments in the Cook Islands, and used to relieve fever in Samoa. Additionally in Samoa, the dried leaves are burned to deter mosquitos.

Vitex capitata

Vitex rotundifolia

Vitex altissima

Vitex cofassus

Vitex peduncularis

Vitex leucoxylon

Vitex lindenii

Vitex cuneata

Vitex incisa

Vitex lignum-vitae

Vitex doniana

Vitex zeyheri

Vitex quinata

Vitex divaricata

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