Vitex doniana – Native Plant Search

Native Range

A native plant refers to a species of plant that has naturally evolved and grown in a particular geographic area without any human intervention or introduction. These plants have adapted to the local climate, soil, and ecological conditions over an extended period of time, often thousands of years. Because of this co-evolution with their specific environment, native plants have developed characteristics that make them well-suited to the local ecosystem and provide essential resources for local wildlife.

Native plants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of an area. They provide food and habitat for native wildlife, support pollinators like bees and butterflies, and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. Additionally, native plants often require fewer resources like water and fertilizers compared to non-native or exotic plants that may not be well-suited to the local environment.

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Native Continent

Africa

Sudan, Chad, Kenya, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Bioko, Rwanda, Benin, Côte D'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Angola, Mozambique, Zambia

Natural Habitat

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw, cooked, candied etc. A sweet flavour with a mealy texture, it tastes a bit like prunes. It contains vitamins A and B and can be made into a jam. The jam is of good quality, somewhat like plum jam but better for spreading. A syrup made from the fruit pulp can be used instead of other syrups as a nutritive sweetener. The black fruit is about 2cm long. The fruit can be made into a wine. Wine obtained from controlled fermentation had 10.5% alcohol content, and wine obtained from spontaneous fermentation 5%. Young twigs and leaves are an esteemed vegetable. The leaves are often used as a herb for cooking. The pounded leaves can be added to warm filtered grain beer and then drunk. It is said to make them stronger. Seeds. The seeds are roasted and used to make a coffee-like drink. The leaves can be used as a tea substitute.