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Vitex trifolia - Jalanirgundi
Jalanirgundi or Vitex trifolia, the simpleleaf chastetree,[1] is a large coastal shrub or small tree.[2] Vitex trifolia is naturally found along coastlines from tropical East Africa as far east as French Polynesia.
Description
Vitex trifolia is a large coastal shrub or small tree, less than 5 m in height with the stems covered by soft hairs (tomentose). The leaves are oppositely arranged along the stems and are usually compound, composed of 3 linear leaflets which range between 1 –12 cm in length. The upper surface of the leaves are green and the lower surface grayish green.
The flowers are born in panicles or clusters up to 18 cm in length. Individual flowers have purple to violet two-lipped corollas that are approximately 5 mm long. The stamen are in two pairs and the ovary is superior, or develops above the corolla. The fleshy fruits are about 6 mm in diameter and contain 4 small black seeds.
Uses
The leaves are used to treat female ailments in the Cook Islands, and used to relieve fever in Samoa.[clarification needed] Additionally in Samoa, the dried leaves are burned to deter mosquitos.[clarification needed]
