Vitex cymosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Vitex cymosa f. albiflora

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Lamiaceae within the genus Vitex.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several tropical regions, spanning from Central America to northern South America. In Central America, its presence is specifically noted in the countries of Costa Rica and Panamá. The species also extends into the Caribbean, where it can be found in the Netherlands Antilles and the Southwest Caribbean. Furthermore, its range reaches into Northern South America, particularly within Venezuela. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in various Caribbean and tropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Vitex cymosa is characterized by its remarkable adaptability to diverse Brazilian biomes, allowing it to thrive in environments ranging from the arid Caatinga (stricto sensu) and the open landscapes of the Carrasco and Cerrado (lato sensu) to more humid ecosystems such as Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, and the coastal Restinga habitats. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, occupying a vast ecological gradient that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends to elevations as high as 2350 m AMSL. This wide range of habitats and elevations suggests a high degree of environmental plasticity, enabling the plant to survive across varying moisture levels, soil types, and temperature regimes found throughout its native range.

Elevational range max:

2350 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Carrasco, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Restinga

Life history

The life history of Vitex cymosa is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, ensuring its long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its photosynthetic organs well above the ground level, utilizing a structural growth habit that allows it to thrive in its specific habitat. This life form is further categorized under the phanerophyte classification, reflecting its robust development. Additionally, the plant exhibits a deciduous pattern, shedding its leaves periodically as part of its seasonal cycle, which influences its metabolic activity and survival strategies throughout the year.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Vitex cymosa is characterized by its stature as a woody tree, which serves as a self-supporting growth form rather than a climber or liana. This species is a terrestrial plant, functioning as an independent organism without parasitic or epiphytic tendencies. Reaching a significant size, the plant exhibits a height that typically averages around 20 m, with a maximum potential height also recorded at 20 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Vitex cymosa is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common metabolic strategy among many woody dicots where carbon fixation occurs primarily through the enzyme Rubisco within the mesophyll cells. This pathway involves the direct fixation of atmospheric CO2 into a three-carbon compound during the Calvin cycle, which dictates the plant's water-use efficiency and environmental adaptation. Furthermore, Vitex cymosa is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (such as Rhizobium) required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms; instead, it relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil substrate to meet its nutritional requirements for protein synthesis and metabolic functions.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Vitex cymosa is characterized by the production of seeds that exhibit specific physical dimensions and mass variations. The seeds produced by this species have a consistent volume, measured at a mean, maximum, and minimum of 690 mm³. In terms of weight, the seed mass shows a degree of variability, ranging from a minimum of 0.209 g to a maximum of 0.5 g, with an overall mean seed mass of 0.3545 g. Furthermore, the reproductive structures are defined by a dry fruit dryness profile, distinguishing them from fleshy varieties.

Fruit dryness :

dry

Seed mass max:

0.5 g

Seed mass mean:

0.3545 g

Seed mass min:

0.209 g

Seed volume max:

690 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Vitex cymosa has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Stem

1. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Vitex cymosa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 20-HYDROXYECDYSONE.

20-HYDROXYECDYSONE

1. Fitoterapia

Preparations

Vitex cymosa has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include stem barks.

Stem barks

1. Fitoterapia