Vitex parviflora (Tugas)

  • Core Identification & Taxonomy
    • Scientific Name: Vitex Parviflora.
    • Common Name: Molave, Tugas, Sagat, Amugauan, Smallflower Chastetree
    • Family: Lamiaceae (mint)
    • Varietals: Bato
    • Habitat/Range: Tropical lowlands, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia
  • Morphology & Characteristics
    • Growth Habit: Tree; irregular or crooked growth, deadwood patterns
    • Leaves: opposite, compound, tri-foliate
    • Flowers: during rainy season
    • Fruit/Seed: yes, about 5mm bluish/black
    • Stem/Bark: Pale grey to pale yellow, smooth 
    • Growth: Slow
  • Ecology & Environment
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun 4-8 hours daily. Afternoon sun tolerant
    • Water Use: Moderate, occasional salt spray
    • Soil Tolerance: Limestone (anapog), Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
    • Habitat/Range: Tropical lowlands, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia 
  • Bonsai Notes
    • Pruning: is essential, cut back to 2 leaf sets
    • Delofiation: can reduce leaf size
    • Wiring: applied at any time of year. Monitor closely as branches can be brittle and scarring will occur if left too long
Tugas