MANILA, Philippines - Vitex ovata or Roundleaf Chaste Tree is one of most versatile plants for landscape use. The plant has elliptical or roundish leaves with velvety texture. Attractive blue flowers are produced on top of the silvery plants.
Vitex ovata is a very common shoreline plant allover the Philippines. The plant is not utilized at all in the Philippines. In Hawaii, it is a favorite hedge plant or planted individually as accent plant.
The plant can grow in the shoreline and grows beautifully under the most hostile saline conditions. The plant can grow also in brackish and fresh water.
The plant may be propagated through cuttings or from seeds.
A white flowered form was found in Catanduanes 2 years ago and is being propagated for introduction.
The Philippines with its thousands of kilometers of shorelines will definitely need this species for landscaping.