Lamiaceae
Vitex schliebenii
Large fingerleaf
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Vitex schliebenii is a scrambling shrub or tree, typically growing over 2 metres tall, with grey to brown bark. Its leaves are 5-foliolate, featuring elliptic to ovate-lanceolate leaflets that are dark green and somewhat rough above, and densely covered in brownish hairs below. The plant produces short, dense clusters of white to cream or pale yellow flowers, followed by fleshy, almost round fruits that mature from white to purple-black, measuring 4-6 mm in diameter.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species is well-suited for a Kilifi-coast garden or landscape, thriving in full sun on sandy or gravelly, well-drained soils, characteristic of its natural habitat in deciduous woodlands and riverine thickets. It can serve as an attractive specimen tree, a component in a mixed hedge, or for ecological restoration in appropriate sandy-soil environments.
Growing notes
Vitex schliebenii exhibits a fast growth rate and is drought tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice. It requires well-drained soil, as it can suffer from root rot in consistently wet or heavy clay conditions.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: mozambiqueflora.com, zimbabweflora.co.zw, ufl.edu, gardendesign.com, wattersgardencenter.com, okstate.edu. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.