Vitex keniensis

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Vitex keniensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Vitex
Species:
V. keniensis
Binomial name
Vitex keniensis
Turrill

Vitex keniensis (also called Meru oak) is a species of plant in the family Lamiaceae.

It is endemic to Kenya.

It is threatened by

over-exploited
and is now very rare.

Description

Vitex keniensis has a tall, straight trunk and light green leaves with five leaflets arranged in a vaguely star-like formation. Each leaflet can be up to 25 cm long with a prominent midrib.

Young trees are particularly susceptible to a disease of the leaves that produces "bubbles" all over the upper surface of the leaves but which does not appear to affect the growth of the tree.

References