Vitex
Vitex (lat. Vitex) is a genus of evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees of the Lamiaceae family. Previously, the genus was classified as a member of the Verbenaceae family. Another name is prutnyak.
The Mediterranean is considered to be the birthplace of vitex. In nature, plants are found mainly in tropical, subtropical and temperate climates. The most common type is chasteberry (or wild pepper, or Abraham tree, or common twig). There are legends about the miraculous power of this species; it is not so much fruity as it is spicy, aromatic and medicinal. Vitex has been known since ancient times, but it began to be cultivated relatively recently.
Characteristics culture
Vitex — shrubs or trees up to 10 m high with a spherical openwork crown. The branches are elastic and flexible. The leaves are grayish-green, compound, pubescent, palmate, opposite, sitting on long petioles. The flowers are quite small, fragrant, white, red, yellow, lilac, purple or blue, collected in large paniculate or cluster-shaped inflorescences, located at the tips of the shoots. The corolla is two-lipped.
The fruit is a dry, four-locular, spherical drupe. The fruits are black, with a bluish bloom, up to 3-4 mm in diameter, surrounded by a calyx. Vitex blooms from June to October, bears fruit until December (depending on climatic conditions). All parts of the plant have a specific pungent, but quite pleasant aroma. Vitexes are not distinguished by increased cold-resistant properties; in severe winters, shoots can freeze right up to the surface of the soil. However, the plants quickly recover and bloom the same year.
Growing conditions
Vitexes are light-loving and undemanding to soil fertility. Although heavy clayey, compacted, saline, waterlogged and acidic soils are unsuitable for growing crops. Poor soils, loams, stone areas and sandy loams (loose rocks) are optimal. The location is preferably sunny, light shade is not prohibited. Complete shading can have a detrimental effect on plant growth and flowering.
Reproduction and planting
Vitex is propagated by seeds and green cuttings. Seeds can be sown in either spring or fall. With the latter method, the seeds undergo natural stratification. Seeds stored for more than two months are pre-treated. For three months, the seeds are kept in damp sand in a room with a temperature no higher than 5°C (41°F). Sow Vitex to a depth of 1-2 cm, then water thoroughly and mulch with sawdust or peat. Mulch is not required for spring sowing.
Seedlings are usually uniform, and even dense plantings do not affect the development of young plants. Vitex grown from seeds in the ground bloom in the second year. Propagation by cuttings is straightforward. There are no strict guidelines for planting Vitex seedlings; it”s important to maintain the required spacing of 4-4. 5 meters. The plants can be grown as houseplants.
Care
Vitex isn”t a demanding plant. Care consists of the same procedures as all ornamental shrubs and trees, including weeding, loosening the root zone, and occasional watering. The plant requires annual sanitary pruning, with shaping pruning as desired and necessary. Vitex is virtually immune to diseases and pests, so preventative treatments are unnecessary.
Uses
Vitex leaves and berries are used in cooking and folk medicine. They are used as a spice in meat and fish dishes, as well as in various soups. Vitex berries are often added to preserves, semi-smoked sausages, and other dishes. In Arab countries, the leaves are brewed and drunk as a tea. Vitex is beneficial for chronic spleen and liver diseases, as well as gynecological conditions. Some scientists claim that vitex has antimalarial and antipyretic properties.
