Vitex trifolia aka Indian Three Leaf Vitex

Vitex trifolia is a shrub or small tree that sheds its leaves. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. People call it East Indian wild pepper or simpleleaf chastetree. Its native range runs from southern Somalia to Mozambique. It also reaches the Pacific, tropical Asia and northern Australia. Kew places it in the wet tropical biome, or climate zone. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants reach about 3–13 feet [1–4 metres] tall. Some stand upright, while others spread near the ground. Low stems can root at nodes that touch the soil. Nodes are the joints along a stem. Plants may form mats several feet [several metres] wide. Their leaves fall; they do not stay on year-round. The sources give no bark or leaf shape details for this species. Plants can bloom all year. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. People make leis from both the flowers and seeds.

Grow this shrub in full sun with soil that drains well. It grows best in sandy soil. Once plants take root, they can cope with long dry spells. They can also cope with salt spray and salty soil. This suits open gardens by the coast, where the climate allows growth. Wild plants grow in teak woods, regrowth forest and thickets. They also grow in mangrove woods and near the shore. The evidence gives no cold-hardiness zone or frost limit.

Gardeners grow this plant for its looks and as a hedge. Its stems spread to form broad patches of growth. This same growth can cause harm beyond the garden. In some areas, plants have escaped gardens and now grow wild. The source reports harm to native plants and wildlife along the Carolina coast. Dense growth shades local plants and disturbs sea turtle nest sites. These risks matter when choosing where to plant it. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases.

People gather wild plants for use in local medicine. They use roots in folk remedies for fever and liver ailments. They use leaf blends to treat headaches, sprains and bruises. These records show uses, not proof that the treatments work. Leaves yield an essential oil that helps repel mosquitoes. People also burn leaves to drive insects away. The records list no use as food. The plant can cause allergic reactions. These include sneezing and trouble breathing. Reports also list dizziness, headache and nausea, or feeling sick.