Common Name: Taruma Do Cerrado

General Information

Vitex polygama is a deciduous or semi-deciduous tree according to its environment[]. It grows from 6 - 12 metres tall with a wide, dense crown[, ]. The bole is short and slightly fluted, about 30 - 40cm in diameter[].
The edible fruit is sometimes gathered from the wild for local use, though it is not widely appreciated[]. An ornamental plant, it can be used in street plantings[].
Vitex polygama 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 - Paraguay, southern, central, eastern and northern Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Savannahs and semi-deciduous forests, most commonly in secondary formations, at elevations over 500 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position[].
Newly planted young trees establish fairly well and grow away moderately quickly[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. A fleshy pulp with a sweet flavour, but it is difficult to separate from the seed[]. The fruit is about 3cm long and 2cm wide[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A pioneer species within its native range, where it can be used in reforestation projects[].

Other Uses

The wood is moderately heavy, easy to split, moderately durable when not exposed to the moistness of the soil[]. It is used for internal finishing in buildings[].
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 the seed in individual containers and place in light shade. Germination rates are normally low, with the seed sprouting within 30 - 50 days[]. Seedlings grow away quickly and are ready for planting out just 6 months after germinating[].

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