Vitex keniensis

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Vitex keniensis
Vitex keniensis seedling, Kiangungi Environmental Network, Embu District, Kenya.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Vitex
Species:
V. keniensis
Binomial name
Vitex keniensis
Turrill

Vitex keniensis (also called Meru oak) is a species of plant in the family Lamiaceae.

It is endemic to Kenya.

It is threatened by habitat loss. It is a magnificent tree when mature, being one of the largest trees that are native to Kenya. Due to its use as a source of wood that is both durable and has an attractive grain it has been severely over-exploited and is now very rare.

Description

Vitex keniensis has a tall, straight trunk and light green leaves with five leaflets arranged in a vaguely star-like formation. Each leaflet can be up to 25 cm long with a prominent midrib.

Young trees are particularly susceptible to a disease of the leaves that produces "bubbles" all over the upper surface of the leaves but which does not appear to affect the growth of the tree.

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References

  1. Musili, P.; Shaw, K.; Luke, W.R.Q. (2018). "Vitex keniensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2018: e.T33475A117646889. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T33475A117646889.en . Retrieved 14 November 2021.