Family: Lamiaceae
Common name: Chaste Tree, Negundo, Chinese chaste tree, Nirgundi, Five-leaved chaste tree, Chastetree, Horseshoe vitex, Nisinda, Karinochi
Negundo or Chaste Tree is very useful tree that has enormous medicinal value in traditional herbal and Ayurveda medicine. It is native to Southern Asia and Africa, but they can now be seen in almost all tropical countries.
Tree Characteristics
They are small trees that only grow to a height of 5-8 meters with palmate leaves containing 3-8 leaflets. Stem and branches are roughly quadrangular in cross section. The central leaflet is the largest about 8-10 cm long.
Small purple flowers are produced in large clusters about 15-20 cm long, each flower about 1-1.5 cm in diameter. Petals are of varying sizes, the central one being the largest.
These flowers later produce spherical fruits that are 4-6 mm in diameter containing about 4 seeds.
Gardening Tips
Negundo plants prefer to grow in full sunlight, though they can tolerate partial shade. Once the tree is established in the soil, they need very little water and fertilization.
Flowers are usually produced on new growth. So it’s a good idea to prune them well during early spring.
Medicinal uses of the Chaste Tree
These trees are well-known for their medicinal uses, especially the anti-inflammatory properties. And hence, they are used in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, and gout.
Parts of the plant are also used in treating headaches, muscle and joint pain, menstrual disorders, skin allergies, ulcers, malaria, bronchitis, eye diseases, respiratory ailments, indigestion, flatulence, cuts, wounds, and bruises.
Negundo trees are grown as ornamentals and also as medicinal plants, and they are considered very valuable in Ayurveda, traditional herbal medicine and Chinese medicine.
Young stems of the Negundo are used for making baskets. The flowers of the Chaste tree can attract pollinators like butterflies, and bees. So they can be grown in butterfly gardens, or public parks.
These plants grow well near water bodies, and also in grasslands, open areas, and disturbed land. The essential oils contained in the leaves is a very effective insecticide, and it also has antibacterial properties.
In some cultures, the tree is associated with purity and chastity, giving the tree its name ‘chaste tree’.
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Photographed at: Rachenahalli lake park, Bangalore
