Lamiaceae

Vitex zanzibarensis

Small/Medium Tree

IUCN: VulnerableRare species

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About

This evergreen small to medium tree typically grows 4 to 16 metres tall, often with a crooked bole and shortly pubescent branchlets. It features compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets and produces lax cymes of lilac flowers. The tree bears edible, globose orange-black fruits, 8-10 mm in diameter, which yield a dark blue juice. Locally, the fruits are consumed raw or cooked, and its wood is used for firewood and charcoal.

Where it works in Kilifi

A native to Kilifi County's coastal forests, this species thrives in full sun on well-drained sandy or coral rag soils. It is suitable for restoration projects in dry lowland areas or as a specimen tree in a garden landscape.

Growing notes

Once established, Vitex zanzibarensis is likely to be drought tolerant, reflecting its adaptation to seasonal dry periods in its natural habitat. It exhibits resilience to disturbances such as fire. This species is classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss, making its cultivation important for conservation.

Sources

Researched with web grounding from: grokipedia.com, theferns.info, nih.gov. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.