LAMIACEAE
Vitex agnus-castus
Common Name: Lilac Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Monk's Pepper (*native to the Mediterranean)
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habit - an introduced species found as a shrub in disturbed areas | leaves - what is the leaf arrangement? Are these leaves simple or compound? |
leaves - there can be 5-9 leaflets. What kind of margin is present? When crushed the leaves are strongly aromatic. | inflorescence - these flowers are very distinctive in the spring. |
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fruit - the fruit are borne terminally and in the upper leaf axils | fruits - are drupes. The calyces are persistent and partially surround the maturing fruit. The fruit have been utilized as a pepper substitute. |