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Agnus-castus alba, Agnus-castus marostachya, Agnus-castus robusta, Agnus-castus vulgaris, Vitex agnus, Vitex haussknechtii, Vitex hybrida, Vitex integra, Vitex latifolia, Vitex lupinifolia, Vitex pseudonegundo, Vitex robusta, Vitex verticillata
Abrahams balm, chasteberry, chaste tree, monks pepper
Vitex agnus-castus, also called Vitex, Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Abraham's Balm or Monk's Pepper, is a native of the Mediterranean region. It is one of the few temperate-zone species of Vitex, which is on the whole a genus of tropical and sub-tropical flowering plants. Theophrastus mentioned the shrub several times, as agnos (άγνος) in Enquiry into Plants. Vitex, its name in Pliny the Elder, is derived from the Latin vieo, meaning to weave or to tie up, a reference to the use of Vitex agnus-castus in basketry. Its macaronic specific name repeats "chaste" in both Greek and Latin.[+]
Vitex agnus-castus, also known as chasteberry or monk's pepper, is a deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean region. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and can be found growing wild, particularly in coastal areas and gardens. Studies have reported its presence in various locations throughout the country, including Al Wakrah and Doha. The plant is valued for its medicinal properties, including its use in traditional Arabic medicine to treat various ailments. Its ability to thrive in Qatar's hot and dry climate makes it a notable species in the country's flora.
Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) in a park at Al Intisar Street near a corner with Onaiza. Doha, Qatar, May 3, 2015
Al Intisar St, Doha, Qatar
Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) in a park at Al Intisar Street near a corner with Onaiza. Doha, Qatar, April 27, 2016Al Intisar St, Doha, Qatar
Flowers of chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) in a park at Al Intisar Street near a corner with Onaiza. Doha, Qatar, April 27, 2016Al Intisar St, Doha, Qatar
Leaf of chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) in a park at Al Intisar Street near a corner with Onaiza. Doha, Qatar, May 16, 2016Al Intisar St, Doha, QatarThe Vitex agnus-castus plant was observed in a park at Al Intisar Street near Onaiza in Doha, Qatar on multiple occasions. In May 2015, the plant was present in the park, and subsequent observations were made in April and May 2016. The flowers of the plant were noted to be blooming in late April 2016, with a distinctive appearance. The leaves of the plant were also observed, with a specific shape and structure, as seen on May 16, 2016. These observations suggest that Vitex agnus-castus is able to thrive in the park's environment, with blooms occurring in the spring season. The plant's presence was consistent across multiple years, indicating its ability to establish itself in the local ecosystem. Overall, the observations provide insight into the growth and development of Vitex agnus-castus in Qatar's climate.
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QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.