pypsteelvingerblaar, pypsteelboom
munyongatshifumbu, umluthu
Shrub or small tree up to 9 m, trunk up to 30 cm diameter, multi- or single-stemmed, with rough, light grey to grey-brown bark. Leaves palmately compound (3–5 leaflets), yellow-green to olive-green, toothed in upper half, sometimes hairy. Flowers 5-lobed, long-stalked, purple/mauve/white, in summer (Nov–Jan). Pear-shaped blackish fruits when ripe. Aromatic foliage. Visually attractive foliage and summer flowers; useful for structure and light shade in gardens. Noted for flexible stems. 12
No published data on insect, mammal, or bird associations. Not a keystone or pioneer. Structure may provide shelter for birds and insects. 1
Flowers likely insect-pollinated (bees, butterflies possible); no specific records. Fruits possibly dispersed by birds or mammals; data not available. 1
Not available
No published method; likely sown fresh in sandy/loam mix, as for similar Vitex species 1
Not available
Wood used for stools, construction, firewood; leaves for stomach ache, chest complaints, fits (Eswatini); hollow stems for smoking pipes
