Vitex trifolia, the simpleleaf chastetree,[1] is a large coastal shrub or small tree.[2]
| Vitex trifolia | |
|---|---|
| |
| leaves, seeds (left), flowers (right) | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Vitex |
| Species: | V. trifolia
|
| Binomial name | |
| Vitex trifolia | |
Description
editVitex trifolia is a large coastal shrub or small tree, less than 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 three linear leaflets which range between 1 and 12 cm in length. The upper surfaces of the leaves are green and the lower surfaces are 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 about 5 mm long. The stamens 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 four small, black seeds.
Distribution
editVitex trifolia is naturally found along coastlines from tropical East Africa as far east as French Polynesia.
Traditional medicine
editThe leaves are used to treat female ailments in the Cook Islands, and used to relieve fever in Samoa.[citation needed] Additionally in Samoa, the dried leaves are burned to deter mosquitos.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Vitex trifolia". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
- ^ "GRIN Species Records of Vitex". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2010-12-12.