Vitex agnus-castus Chaste Tree
Both agnus and castus in the specific name of this plant refer to chastity and/or purity hence its common name "Chaste Tree". The Vitex comes from the Latin for tying up or weaving referring to its use in basket making. Even today this shrub is cultivated for medicinal uses in herbal medicine but proper scientifically controlled clinical studies have discovered little evidence for the effectiveness of this herb as a treatment for menstrual problems. In ancient times a festival known as Thesmophoria was practised by adult Greek women during part of which they must remain chaste. Tradition has it that they would lay on beds of Vitex agnus-castus as it was believed to be an effective anaphrodisiac and stopped feelings of lust.
It looks at first a bit like a Buddleja species but with palmate delicate leaves which are quite different. It also attracts butterflies and other insects. Vitex agnus-castus is a mediterranean native which has been naturalised in parts of the Americas, Australia and South Africa.
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| Vitex agnus-castus Chaste Tree |
Side of road, near Hotel, Peleponnese, Greece 22nd October 2017
Added on December 28th 2017