Ekarukei, Murukukwe

Vitex madiensis

Physical Characteristics

Vitex madiensis is a TREE growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Tropical Africa - Senegal to Somalia, south to Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Edible Uses: Oil Fruit - raw or cooked[323 ]. Sweet and mealy[398 ]. The thin pulp clings to the stone, which contains 3 to 4 seeds[323 ]. The purple-black fruit is about the size of an olive[323 ]. The oblong-rounded fruit is about 25mm long and 10 - 20mm wide[398 ].

Medicinal Uses

Odontalgic Skin The leaves and roots have medicinal uses[323 ]. Bark extracts are used in the treatment of skin diseases and toothache[774 ].

Known Hazards

None known