Riyadh Plants
Arabian Lilac
Vitex trifolia is also called Vitex, the simple leaf Chaste Tree. The area of distribution of Vitex trifolia is in tropical eastern Africa and the Far East in French Polynesia. This simple-leaf Chaste Tree is a heat-tolerant shrub or small tree. The tree grows to about 5 metres in height and width. It is slow-growing and develops a conical shape with open crown. The foliage is evergreen. The leaves are arranged oppositely with an entire shape, and three single leaves are together on one branch, hence the name trifolia – three leaved. Single blue-violet flowers with long stamens remain together on one 18-cm-long panicle. The flowers appear in May and remain until September. The fruits are fleshy, berry-like and green in colour. Propagation is by cuttings. Vitex trifolia has tap roots; because it originally comes from tropical maritime climatic zones, it appreciates sufficient irrigation and humidity. It is able to withstand some drought, heat and also salinity. There are two other trifolia cultivars which make very good ornamental plants: Vitex trifolia ‘Purpurea’, Arabian Lilac, with leaves that are dark red to purple underneath, and ‘Variegata’, with brindled white-green leaves. This Vitex is a good plant as a specimen, grouped or massed planting, or as a hedge. It is a bee-attracting tree that is suitable for urban microclimates, public open spaces, parks and private planting, and in containers. It Arriyadh, it can be found in many urban situations, and in Wadi Hanifah, where it attracts considerable attention.
