Central QLD Coast Landcare Network

Beach vitex

Vitex rotundifolia, Fam. Lamiaceae


Prostrate shrub or vine. From the Latin ‘rotundus’ round and ‘folius’ leaved.
Weed Category:
Weed: No
Form or habit: Vine (Climbing, Twining or groundcover), Shrub
Family: Lamiaceae
Leaf:
Simple (or rarely with two or three leaflets), opposite, obovate to suborbicular, 1.5-5.5 x 0.8-3.5cm, velvety hairy, whitish lower surface.
Flower conspicuous: Conspicuous
Flower colour:

Blue, Purple
Flower description: Axillary or terminal cluster of blue or purple flowers. Any month if the year.
Fruit conspicuous: Conspicuous
Fruit colour:

Black, Green
Fruit:
Fruit description: Green or black, globose drupes, about 5mm in diameter. Summer to autumn.
Habitat: Coastal dune, rainforest.
Distribution Queensland, Northern Territory, Melanesia, Malesia, Asia, Pacific Islands.
Food source for:
Toxicity: No toxicity known
Origin: Australia, Melanesia, Malesia, Asia, Pacific Islands.
Notes: Attractive ornamental plant. Grow from stem cuttings. Used occasionally in Hawaii in native medicines.
Information sources: Melzer R. & Plumb J. (2007) Plants of Capricornia.