CHASTE TREE
(Vitex agnus-castus)
Appearance
A densely branched deciduous perennial shrub growing up to 15
ft tall. It has lance-shaped leaves divided into several leaflets, dark
green above and light green below. It flowers from June to December
producing fragrant violet or white bell-shaped flowers . The slightly
aromatic berries resemble peppercorns.
Habitat
Grows on river banks and in damp areas mainly in the lowlands,
from sea level to 2,000 ft.
Uses and Properties
The berries of the plant were known as "monks pepper"
and were used in place of pepper by medieval monks as they were believed
to subdue sexual desires. This is why the plant was named the chaste tree.
Medicinally the plant is still used in the treatment of eye diseases
and for soothing stomach aches. The flexible twigs are used for basket
making in Cypriot villages.
