Vitex, a genus of trees or shrubs of the natural order Verbenaceæ, the fruit a drupe, with a four-celled stone. V. Agnus castus, the Chaste Tree, a native of the countries around the Mediterranean, is downy, with digitate leaves white on the back, and has an acrid fruit, the seeds of which have been used as an external application in cases of colic. It derives its name from the practice of
(Vitex Agnus castus).
Grecian matrons to strew their couches with its leaves, especially during the sacred rites of Ceres, in order to banish impure thoughts; for which purpose a syrup, made of its fruit, was also used in convents in the south of Europe. The shrub is hardy in the south of England. Of the seventy-five species of vitex some yield excellent timber.