Black Plum, African Black Plum, Prunier Noir, Bois Flotté
Vitex doniana
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The fruits are edible, sweet and juicy when ripe, used in making jams, jellies, and drinks. The leaves and bark have medicinal properties, traditionally used to treat fever, malaria, and digestive issues. It can be used as a shade tree in agroforestry systems and its deep roots help in soil stabilization.
Permapeople description
A tropical tree with edible black fruit, often used in traditional medicine.
Botanical description
Vitex doniana is a deciduous tree belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 10-20 meters. The leaves are palmately compound with 5-7 leaflets, each leaflet being oblong-elliptic in shape with smooth margins. The flowers are small, white or pale lilac, and are arranged in panicles. The fruit is a fleshy drupe, dark purple to black when ripe, and about 2-3 cm in diameter. The bark is dark gray and fissured.
Companion planting
Vitex doniana can be grown alongside nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs to improve soil fertility. Avoid planting near crops that are sensitive to shade or competition for resources. Its aromatic foliage may also deter certain pests.
Propagation methods
Propagation can be achieved through seeds, cuttings, or air layering. Seed propagation requires scarification or soaking to improve germination rates. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems and rooted in a well-draining medium. Air layering can also be used to propagate desirable cultivars.
History and traditions
In traditional African medicine, Vitex doniana has a long history of use for treating various ailments. The leaves and bark are commonly used to prepare concoctions for treating fever, malaria, dysentery, and skin infections. The fruits are eaten fresh or processed into beverages. The tree is sometimes considered sacred in certain cultures and is used in traditional ceremonies.
Usage calendar
Flowering typically occurs during the rainy season, usually from May to August. Fruits ripen from September to December. Planting is best done at the beginning of the rainy season. Pruning can be done during the dry season to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree.