Vitex pinnata L.
Family
Verbenaceae
Synonyms
Vitex pubescens Vahl.
Vernacular Names
| Malaysia | Leban tandok (Peninsular), leban buas (Sarawak), kulim papa (Sabah). |
| Indonesia | Laban (General), kalapapa (Kalimantan), gulimpapa (Sulawesi). |
| Thailand | Tinnok (Central, Northern), samo-tinpet (Peninsular). |
| Philippines | Hairy-leafed molave. |
| Myanmar | Kyetyoh. |
| Vietnam | B[if]nh linh l[oo]ng. |
Geographical Distributions
Vitex pinnata is found in India, Sri Lanka (rare), Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar), Indo-China, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, the Lesser Sunda Islands and the Philippines (Palawan); introduced in tropical Africa and South America.
Description
Vitex pinnata is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach up to 25(—30) m tall. It is often with crooked bole measuring up to 70 cm in diametre.
The leaves are (3-)5-foliolate while the leaflets are pubescent below.
The inflorescence is terminal, resembling a panicle and with prominent bracts. The sepal lobes are subequal and about 2 mm long while the petal is bluish-white to violet.
The fruit is 7-13 mm in diametre and nearly spherical and purplish-black when mature.
Ecology / Cultivation
Vitex pinnata is common in many areas, especially in more open habitats, secondary forests and on river banks. The density of the wood is 800-950 kg/m3 at 15% moisture content; the wood is hard and durable.
Line Drawing / Photograph
References
- Plant Resources of South-East Asia No. 5(2): Timber trees: Minor commercial timbers.
