Vitex agnus-castus 'Chaste Tree'

[Ex. RHODES, GREECE]

Verbenaceae: a deciduous multi-stemmed shrub to 3 m. Found in damp places by streams and on often by the sea. The flowers are bright blue and in panicles, blooming from August-October. The leaves are fine, lacy, glossy and green. Native to Southern Europe.

USES:

The fruit is used as a condiment, it is a pepper substitute. The aromatic leaves are also used as a spice. This plant forms one of the ingredients of the legendary Moroccan spice mixture 'ras el hanout'.

Agnus castus has been used for thousands of years for its beneficial effect on the female hormonal system. Modern research has confirmed this use, the seeds being used to restore balanced functioning to the female reproductive system. The seeds and fruits have anaphrodisiac, aphrodisiac, galactogogue, ophthalmic, sedative, stomachic properties.

GROWING INFORMATION:

To obtain best germination results, seeds need temperatures of +22°C [72°F] or more. Moderate, but constant humidity is very important. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Prefers a light well-drained loamy soil in a warm sunny position sheltered from cold drying winds. Succeeds in dry soils. Intolerant of water-logging. Hardy to about -10°c, this species only succeeds outdoors in the milder parts of Britain. Attracts butterflies.

HARVESTED: 2019

APPROX. 35+ SEEDS