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(Vitex trifolia)
Simpleleaf Chastetree (Vitex trifolia)
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Dinesh Valke
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Dinesh Valke
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Dinesh Valke | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Dinesh Valke | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Vitex trifolia, commonly known as Simpleleaf Chastetree, is a semi-deciduous shrub or small tree native to coastal dunes, sandy beaches, and mangrove edges in South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and East Africa. It typically grows less than 5 meters in height with stems covered by soft hairs, giving it a tomentose texture. The Simpleleaf Chastetree has a distinctive appearance with slender, aromatic leaves that are often three-fingered, hence the name "trifolia." Its individual flowers feature purple to violet two-lipped corollas, approximately 5 mm long, and are arranged in panicles. The plant produces showy blue and purple flowers primarily in the fall, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The Simpleleaf Chastetree is valued for its drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and coastal gardens. It is also used as an ornamental plant for its striking flowers and pleasant fragrance. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have medium to fast drainage. While it requires low amounts of water once established, regular watering during the establishment period is beneficial. This species is relatively low-maintenance but can occasionally suffer from leaf spot diseases. It is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine.
Potential problems with the plant include leaf spot diseases, and it should be monitored for signs of stress or infection.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Simpleleaf Chastetree is valued for its drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and coastal gardens. It is also used as an ornamental plant for its striking flowers and pleasant fragrance. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have medium to fast drainage. While it requires low amounts of water once established, regular watering during the establishment period is beneficial. This species is relatively low-maintenance but can occasionally suffer from leaf spot diseases. It is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine.
Potential problems with the plant include leaf spot diseases, and it should be monitored for signs of stress or infection.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 12-14 feet
- Width: 10-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
native to coastal dunes, sandy beaches, and mangrove edges in South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and East Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Arabian Lilac
Scientific Names: , Vitex trifolia, Vitex trifolia var. trifoliolata, Vitex trifolia var. purpurea, Vitex trifolia var. unifoliata, Vitex agnus-castus var. trifolia, Vitex indica, Vitex integerrima, Vitex rotundifolia var. heterophylla, Vitex variifolia,
GBIF Accepted Name: Vitex trifolia L.