Vitex zanzibarensis
Vatke
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Summary
Source: WikipediaVitex zanzibarensis is a species of plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is found in Kenya and Tanzania. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Description
A tree. It grows 16 m high. The trunk is crooked and branched. The bark is yellow-brown. There are cracks along it. The leaves are 3-5 leaflets arranged like fingers on a hand. The leaf stalk are 2-9 cm long. It can have wings. The leaf blade is 3-13 cm long by 1-7 cm wide. They are sword shaped and wedge shaped at the base. The leaves have gland dots above. The flowers are blue to purple. They have scent. They are in hairy groups. They can be at the ends of branches or in the axils of leaves. The fruit are round and blue to purple. They are about 1 cm across. The juice is dark blue.
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. The juice is dark blue. The orange-black, globose fruit is 8 - 10mm in diameter.
Known Hazards
Also classified in the family Verbenaceae.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Africa, East Africa, Tanzania,
Other Uses
The wood is used for firewood and charcoal.
Notes
Also put in the family Verbenaceae.
Also Known As
Mfuu
References (1)
- Lovett, J. C. et al, Field Guide to the Moist Forest Trees of Tanzania. p 179
