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Vitex agnus-castus L., Sp. Pl. 638 1753. (syn: Agnus-castus robusta (Lebas) Carrière; Agnus-castus vulgaris Carrière; Vitex agnus Stokes; Vitex agnus-castus var. caerulea Rehder ……….; Vitex hybrida Moldenke; Vitex integra Medik.; Vitex latifolia Mill.; Vitex lupinifolia Salisb.; Vitex pseudonegundo (Hausskn.) Hand.-Mazz.; Vitex robusta Lebas; Vitex verticillata Lam.);
Keys as per Flora of Pakistan;
(i) erect shrub, leaflets 5-7, flowers fragrant (not fragrant in negundo) = V. agnus-castus (FoP) Vitex agnus-castus, also called Vitex, Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Abraham’s Balm[1] or Monk’s Pepper, is a native of the Mediterranean region. It is one of the few temperate-zone species of Vitex, which is on the whole a genus of tropical and sub-tropical flowering plants.[2] Theophrastus mentioned the shrub several times, as agnos (άγνος) in Enquiry into Plants.[3] Vitex, its name in Pliny the Elder, is derived from the Latin vieo, meaning to weave or to tie up, a reference to the use of Vitex agnus-castus in basketry.[4] Its macaronic specific name repeats “chaste” in both Greek and Latin.
Vitex agnus-castus is widely cultivated in warm temperate and subtropical regions for its delicate-textured aromatic foliage and butterfly attracting[7] spikes of lavender flowers in late summer in cooler climates. It grows to a height of 1–5 meters. It requires full sun or partial shade along with well-drained soil.
Vitex, also a traditional plant in Africa, is a little-known fruit plant that has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare.
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.[10] A popular way of taking Vitex is on awakening as a simple 1:1 fluid extract, which is said to interact with hormonal circadian rhythms most effectively.
The berries are considered a tonic herb for both the male and female reproductive systems. The leaves are believed to have the same effect but to a lesser degree.[10][11]
Clinical studies have demonstrated effectivness of standardised and controlled medications produced from extract of the plant in the management of premenstrual stress syndrome (PMS),[13][14][15] and cyclical breast pain (mastalgia).[16] The medication is recommended in Germany.
(From Wikipedia on 3.8.13)
IND 16 8/7/14 : 8 posts by 5 authors. Attachments (1).
Can you please ID this small tree with bluish white flowers (Vitaceae?) . Photo was taken in Sri Lanka in March 2014. Vitex sp Vitex – species in India & eFI with details & some keys More than three leaflets, with petiolule; terminal panicles suggest V. negundo L. To me it seems to be Vitex negundo. I believe Vitex agnus-castus. (i) erect shrub, leaflets 5-7, flowers fragrant (not fragrant in negundo) = V. agnus-castus (FoP)
Vitex agnus-castus, photographed from Hamdard University Herbal Garden in Delhi
Lamiaceae (incl. Verbenaceae) Fortnight: Lamiaceae,Vitex agnus-castus, from Delhi-GSMAY117/120 : 1 post by 1 author. Attachments (3)
Vitex agnus-castus, photographed from Hamdard University Herbal Garden in Delhi
Vitex for ID : Oman : 300912 : AK-1: 1 correct images as above.
One more Vitex species seen in Muscat.
These are huge bushes with tiny purple flowers.
Haven’t seen any fruits on these.
Pictures taken on 14/12-2007 and one picture earlier.
Vitex negundo? I fear you may not be showing two different plants here. The first plant looks different from other two. Whereas first one looks like Vitex agnus-castus L. the last two appear Vitex negundo L.
Perhaps … who has personal experience of growing Vitex can comment better. … is right about 2 and 3 …. 5 leaflets, central ones atleast would have stalks… your does… vitex negundo… I found one more picture of the first one which you think is Vitex agnus-castus.
Would you like me to post both the pictures in a new thread. Please let me know. Second picture that I found on searching shows tiny black berries.
Thanks for confirmation of Vitex negundo.
Vitex Species seen at Maharashtra Nature Park, Mumbai. Species id please. To me this appears like the one I know, Vitex negundo… I had thought so too, but wanted to be sure, that’s why posted on our group.
Thanks a lot for the id. I believe it is Vitex agnus-castus. Leaves are having more than three leaflets. Thanks for the id.
… had suggested Vitex negundo.
Vitex agnus-castus L.
References:
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