VERBENA FAMILY
Vitex agnus-castus (CHASTE TREE)
(Hayıt) (Keuschbaum)
Verbenaceae
Deciduous shrub, rarely small tree. Stem robust, much-branched. Leaves opposite, digitately, 3-7-foliate, leaflets linear-lanceolate. Inflorescence rather dense, cymes compact, frequently subglobose. Calyx campanulate. Corolla infundibular, pale lilac to blue, up to 8 mm. Fruit a globose drupe. Potential ornamental. Roots are used in dyeing industry. Fl. June-September. Mostly on sandy ground, streambanks, parched alluvial soils and rocky areas near sea; also on limestone slopes, s.l.
Mediterranean area, extending to W. Caucasia.
