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Summary
Meru Oak, Vitex keniensis, is a fast-growing deciduous tree in the Verbenaceae family that is native to Kenya and is threatened by habitat loss. It grows up to 30 m in height and up to 300 cm in trunk diameter. It has a tall, straight trunk and light green compound leaves with five leaflets. The flowers are small and cream with one mauve petal lobe. The soft, black, ellipsoidal drupe fruits are edible. There is no known medicinal uses of this plant but it is planted as a windbreak and its wood is used for cabinet work, panelling, veneer, furniture, and coffin boards. The wood is also used for fuel.
Physical Characteristics
Vitex keniensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Vitex balbi Chiov.
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:
Fruit - raw[325 , 418 ]. Usually only eaten in times of food shortage[418 ]. Another report says that the fruit is sold in local markets[402 ]. The soft, black fruit is an ellipsoid drupe, 13 - 16mm long[325 , 418 ].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Fuel Furniture Mulch Shelterbelt Wood
Agroforestry Uses: The tree is planted as a windbreak[303 , 418 ]. Fallen leaves make a useful mulch[303 , 418 ]. Other Uses The very pale, greyish-brown wood is coarse textured with well-marked growth zones, and often with a wavy grain figure. The wood is hard and durable, said to be similar to teak. The heartwood of trees over 60cm in diameter is often dark and very decorative. It works easily and is used for cabinet work, panelling, veneer, furniture and coffin boards[303 , 325 , 418 ]. The wood is used for fuel[325 , 418 ].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
A plant of the moist tropics where it is found growing at elevations up to 2,100 metres[418 ]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 15 - 20°c, though it can tolerate 12 - 28°c[418 ]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall of 1,800 - 2,200mm, tolerating 1,500 - 2,500mm[418 ]. Prefers a sunny position in a well-drained, deep, sandy-loam soil[418 ]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 7, tolerating 5 - 7.5[418 ]. The tree coppices well[402 ].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
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Plant Propagation
Seed - when dried, it remains viable for at least 12 months in hermetic storage at 3?c[325 ]. The seed has a dormancy that is probably physical - pre-soaking in cold water for 24 hours may improve germination rates. Sow the seed in a nursery seedbed. Germination is low and sporadic, typically 40 - 60% after 2 - 3 months[325 ].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
fulu, Mfuru, Mfuu, Mhuru, Mkombachiko, Mufuu, Muuru.
Native Range
AFRICA: Kenya, Tanzania
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Status: Vulnerable A1cd+2cd
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Turrill
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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Subject : Vitex keniensis
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