Vitex Species, New Zealand Chaste Tree, Puriri

The evergreen Puriri, which is endemic to New Zealand, was first talked about in the late 18th century by the early settlers and botonist...Read Mores. It can grow up to 20 metres tall, has dark glossy green leaves, produces pink flowers, and is important for native birds as a constant year round food supply producing its cherry-like looking berry fruit. Its fruit is unpleasant for humans to eat, and though not high in nutritional value, its nectar and berry fruit are readily available. The Puriri can be found growing inland and by the sea. It hosts our largest moth the Puriri moth. Puriri leaves were used in maori traditional medicines as a rheumatic remedy.