Black plum (Vitex doniana, Hort. Brit.: 323 (1826))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: Sweet

Bibliography: Hort. Brit.: 323 (1826)

Year: 1826

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vitex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. Africa, W. Indian Ocean

Description

The Black Plum, known scientifically as Vitex doniana, is a remarkable plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. First referenced in horticultural literature by Sweet in 1826, this species has garnered attention for its notable presence across tropical regions of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean.

Vitex doniana thrives in a variety of climates, predominantly favoring the warmer, more humid environments characteristic of its native range. The plant is a vital component of local ecosystems, often found in forests, savannas, and along riverbanks where it contributes to the biodiversity of these areas.

One of the distinguishing features of the Black Plum is its adaptability. The plant can grow in different soil types, although it prefers well-drained, fertile soils. It is also relatively drought-resistant, allowing it to endure periods of limited water availability. This adaptability makes it a valuable resource for both natural and cultivated landscapes in tropical regions.

The Black Plum tree is known for producing an edible fruit that is highly regarded in many cultures. The fruits are typically oval-shaped, with a smooth skin that turns dark as it matures, giving the tree its common name. The pulp of the fruit is often enjoyed fresh but can also be processed into various traditional dishes, jams, and beverages. Rich in vitamins and minerals, the fruit is not only a tasty treat but also a nutritious addition to the diet.

In addition to its nutritional value, Vitex doniana has several uses in traditional medicine. Various parts of the plant, such as the leaves, bark, and roots, are utilized for their therapeutic properties. Traditional healers in different regions often employ extracts from the plant to treat a range of ailments, including digestive issues, fever, and pain.

The Black Plum also plays a role in local economies. It is often harvested and sold in local markets, providing an income source for many rural communities. Moreover, its timber is valued for being durable and is used in construction and for making tools and furniture.

Conservation efforts are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of Vitex doniana, given its multifaceted significance. Protecting its natural habitats from deforestation and promoting sustainable harvesting practices will help preserve this valuable species for future generations.

In summary, the Black Plum (Vitex doniana) is a versatile and valuable plant integral to the ecological, nutritional, medicinal, and economic fabric of the regions it inhabits. Its resilience, coupled with its wide array of uses, underscores the importance of this species in tropical Africa and beyond.

Common Names

Eng: black plum
En: Black plum, Prune fingerleaf
Bm: Koro, Koro ni fiin, Koroba
Fr: Prune noire
Ff: Burrehi, Ngalbiihi
Ki: Muturu, Mututu
Sg: Bûlûngû
Sw: Mfudu
Wo: Jei, Kel, Kutofingo, Leg

Synonyms

• Vitex cuneata var. parvifolia (Engl. ex W.Piep.)
• Vitex hornei (Hemsl.)
• Vitex homblei (De Wild.)
• Vitex paludosa (Vatke)
• Vitex poggei (Gürke)
• Vitex chariensis (A.Chev.)
• Vitex pachyphylla (Baker)
• Vitex lundensis (Gürke)
• Vitex dewevrei (De Wild. & T.Durand)
• Vitex cuneata (Thonn. & Schumach.)
• Vitex umbrosa (G.Don ex Sabine)
• Vitex cienkowskii (Kotschy & Peyr.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Benin (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Congo (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Seychelles (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 17, 2019 by Herwig Mees (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2020 by Aristide ZOUNG (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2020 by Aristide ZOUNG (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2020 by Aelle J (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 13, 2020 by Aelle J (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2020 by Aelle J (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 13, 2020 by Aelle J (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3905809)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:865694-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vitex doniana Sweet)

Specifications

Growth