Scientific Name
Vitex negundo L.
Synonyms
Vitex paniculata Lam.
Family
Verbenaceae
Local Name
Bana, Nirgud, Sambalu
Habit Habitat
A shrub up to 1-3m tall, common in sub-tropical zone.
Taxonomic Features
Leaves compound, opposite, palmately divided, 3-5 foliate. Leaflets lanceolate, middle largest, entire and irregularly denticulate. Inflorescence terminal, 10-25 cm long, tapering-thyrsoid, cymes verticillate at nodes, peduncled. Flower zygomorphic, small, subsessile, pale violet to pink-mauve. Calyx bell shaped, 5-toothed. Corolla tube as long as calyx. Limb slightly 2-lipped with 5-unequal lobes. Fruit a drupe, sub globose or ovoid, 5mm in diameter, 4-celled with 1-seed in each cell.
Flowering Fruiting
June-December
Harvesting Time
August-January
Medicinal Value
It is called lady plant, treats unpleasant premenstrual syndrome (PMS), increases milk flow, also used to prevent malaria, cold, cough and bacterial dysentery. Locally leaf juice is used in sore throat and toothache.
Parts Used
Leaf and seed
Future Prospective
Collection, Drying, Packing, Herbal Pharmacy.
Plant Images
Vitex negundo L.