Vitex parviflora
Vitex parviflora, commonly known as Black Chaste Tree, is a versatile medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is traditionally utilized to treat inflammatory conditions, skin ailments, and various infections. Modern research continues to explore its significant antioxidant and antimicrobial therapeutic potential.
- Scientific name: Vitex parviflora
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Vitex.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Vitex | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct oceanic and island regions. Within the Malesia botanical zone, it can be found throughout the Lesser Sunda Islands and the Maluku archipelago. Its presence extends further north into the Philippines and across the island of Sulawesi. Additionally, the species reaches into the Northwestern Pacific region. Specifically, it is documented to inhabit the Caroline Islands within this area.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Malesia | Lesser Sunda Is. | WCVP |
| Malesia | Maluku | WCVP |
| Malesia | Philippines | WCVP |
| Malesia | Sulawesi | WCVP |
| Northwestern Pacific | Caroline Is. | WCVP |
| Northwestern Pacific | Marianas | WCVP |
| Central America | Panamá | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Puerto Rico | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |