Compressed chaste tree
Vitex compressa

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 20 m high. The leaves have 5 leaflets. The middle 3 leaflets are not equal. The leaf stalks are 5-12 cm long. The flower panicles are 11-30 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. The fruit is fleshy and round of flattened. It is 1.3 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. It is purple when ripe. The pulp is edible.

Also put in the family Verbenaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows near marshes and in forests on ridges.

Countries/locations it is found in

Colombia, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Jamaica, Peru, Puerto Rica, South America, Suriname, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aceituna, Alasoabo, Boskalebas, Cenicero, Guaratato, Guarataro lechoso, Hakiaballi, Kalebashout, Krabasi-oedoe, Kulaballi, Taroema, Totumillo, Totumillo blanco, Watra-grin

Synonyms

Vitex berteroana Pittier; Vitex brittoniana Moldenke; Vitex compressa f. angustifolia Moldenke;