This species is considered to be part of Vitex kischeri by some botanists[], but we have followed the treatment in Kew's 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families' which treats it as distinct[].

Common Name: Meru Oak

General Information

Vitex keniensis is a fairly fast-growing deciduous tree reaching a height of around 12 - 30 metres[]. The bole, which can be unbranched for 12 - 18 metres, can be 180 - 300cm in diameter[].
One of the most important timber trees of eastern Kenya, where it is widely utilized for local use and export. It also has an edible fruit, but this is only eaten in times of shortage. The tree is planted in Kenya and in other African cou ntries as a timber crop, it is also sometimes grown as an ornamental[, ].
Vitex keniensis has a small native range in Kenya, where it is heavily exploited for its timber. Although it is grown in plantations, and wild populations are meant to be protected, they are still in danger of being overexploited. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

East tropical Africa - Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique.

Habitat

Moist evergreen forest and on thicketed rocky hills at elevations from 1,300 - 2,100 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist tropics where it is found growing at elevations up to 2,100 metres[]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 15 - 20°c, though it can tolerate 12 - 28°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall of 1,800 - 2,200mm, tolerating 1,500 - 2,500mm[].
Prefers a sunny position in a well-drained, deep, sandy-loam soil[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 7, tolerating 5 - 7.5[].
The tree coppices well[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, ]. Usually only eaten in times of food shortage[]. Another report says that the fruit is sold in local markets[]. The soft, black fruit is an ellipsoid drupe, 13 - 16mm long[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is planted as a windbreak[, ].
Fallen leaves make a useful mulch[, ].

Other Uses

The very pale, greyish-brown wood is coarse textured with well-marked growth zones, and often with a wavy grain figure. The wood is hard and durable, said to be similar to teak. The heartwood of trees over 60cm in diameter is often dark and very decorative. It works easily and is used for cabinet work, panelling, veneer, furniture and coffin boards[, , ].
The wood is used for fuel[, ].

Propagation

Seed - when dried, it remains viable for at least 12 months in hermetic storage at 3°c[]. The seed has a dormancy that is probably physical - pre-soaking in cold water for 24 hours may improve germination rates. Sow the seed in a nursery seedbed. Germination is low and sporadic, typically 40 - 60% after 2 - 3 months[].

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