Vitex doniana
| Black plum (Vitex doniana) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific name | Vitex doniana [1] |
| Common names | Black plum; African black plum; savanna plum [2] |
| Genus | Vitex |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Growth form | Deciduous tree [2] |
| Native range | Tropical and subtropical Africa [2] |
| Native habitat | Riverine and lowland forest, coastal woodland, deciduous woodland, and savanna-associated grassland [2] |
| Mature size | Usually up to 20 m; occasionally 25 m [2] |
| Climate and site | Mean annual temperature 10–30 °C; rainfall 750–2000 mm; often associated with high water tables and alluvial soils [3] |
| Propagation | Fresh seed; root suckers are reported; coppicing is documented [2] |
| Fruit | Sweet, mealy, plum-like fruit eaten raw or cooked and used for jam and fermented beverages [2] |
Vitex doniana is a deciduous African tree in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is known as black plum and occurs in riverine and lowland forests, coastal and deciduous woodland, and savanna-associated grassland. [2]
Description[edit | edit source]
The tree usually reaches up to 20 m and can occasionally reach 25 m. Its deciduous habit occurs across habitats ranging from riverine sites to open deciduous woodland. [2]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Vitex doniana occurs in riverine and lowland settings and is associated with high water tables; alluvial soils are a common setting. [3] As a habitat-based cultivation inference, favor dependable moisture access rather than a permanently dry position. [3]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
The species grows in full sun. [2] Its mixture of riverine forest, deciduous woodland, and savanna-associated grassland supports open exposure rather than a requirement for permanent closed-canopy shade; this is a habitat-based cultivation inference. [2]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Vitex doniana is deciduous, and its native settings include seasonal deciduous woodland as well as riverine and lowland forest. [2] Interpreting leaf drop and active growth against the local wet–dry cycle, rather than assigning one universal calendar, is a habitat-based cultivation inference. [2]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Fresh seed germinates more readily than air-dry stored seed. Air-dry storage is associated with considerable dormancy; moist storage at 3–5 °C for up to one year is possible. [3] Root suckers are reported, and coppicing and lopping are management practices associated with the species. [2]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Vitex doniana is deciduous. Considering flowering and fruiting within the local wet–dry cycle, rather than assigning one universal month-specific schedule, is a habitat-based cultivation inference. [2] The fruit is plum-like and edible. [2]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The fruit is described as sweet and mealy with a plum-like character. It is eaten raw or cooked, made into jam, and fermented into a wine or other beverage. [2]
References[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- Vitex doniana plant: Ema974 / Wikimedia Commons, File:Arbuste vitex doniana.JPG, CC BY-SA 3.0; attribution to Ema974 required.
