Common Name: Taruma

General Information

Vitex megapotamica is a deciduous tree growing 10 - 25 metres tall[], though only 6 - 12 metres when grown as an isolated specimen[]. The bole can be 40 - 60cm in diameter[].
The edible fruits are gathered from the wild and consumed locally, though they are not greatly appreciated[]. The plant is also cultivated for medicinal use in Brazil[]. A very ornamental tree, it can be used in landscaping and for street planting[].
Vitex megapotamica has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, southern and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Pine forests and semi-deciduous forests[]. Found in dense primary forests as well as in secondary formations, growing in dry soils as well as wet[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position[]. Succeeds in most soils[].
Newly planted young trees establish reasonably well and grow away moderately quickly[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. A succulent pulp with a sweet flavour, but it does not separate easily from the seed[]. The fruit is about 2cm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The plant has medicinal uses[]. No further details.

Other Uses

The wood is moderately heavy, of medium texture, of excellent durability when exposed to the weather[]. It is used in construction, railway ties, posts, bridge beams, wooden shoes, barrels etc[].
We have no more information on the wood for this species. However, we have a general description for the wood of S. American species of this genus, which is as follows:-
The heartwood is variable according to the species, ranging from yellowish-brown through deep brown, olive-green or olive-brown; it is usually not sharply demarcated from the whitish, yellow, or pale brown sapwood. The texture is rather fine to moderately coarse; the grain straight, sometimes irregular; lustre ranges from low to high; there is no distinctive odour or taste. A silica content of 0.76% is reported. Depending on the species, durability varies from moderately durable to very durable when exposed to a white-rot and brown-rot fungus. Actual field exposures show some species as durable and others as susceptible to attack by decay fungi and insects. Reports are also variable on seasoning, material from Panama had a moderate drying rate and no appreciable defects. The wood is easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though there is some tearing if grain is irregular; it takes a high polish. It is used for purposes such as furniture, millwork, veneer and plywood, general carpentry, mallet heads, chisel handles and flooring[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Sow in individual containers in a lightly shaded position. Germination rates rarely exceed 10%, with the seed sprouting within 40 - 60 days[]. Seedlings grow away very quickly and are ready to plant out within 7 months from germination[].

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