Vitex keniensis

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Vitex keniensis
Conservation status
Vulnerable
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Lamiales Family: Verbenaceae Genus: Vitex Species: V. keniensis
Binomial name
Vitex keniensis Turrill

Vitex keniensis (also called Meru Oak) is a species of plant in the Verbenaceae family. It is endemic to Kenya. It is threatened by habitat loss. It is a magnificent tree when mature, being one of the largest trees that are native to Kenya. Due to its use as a good producer of attractive wood that is both durable and has an attractive grain is has been severely overexploited and is now very rare. It has a tall, straight trunk and the lightish green leaves have five leaflets arranged in a vaguely star-like formation. Each leaflet can be up to 25 cm long with a prominent midrib. Young trees are particularlt susceptible to a disease of the leaves that produces 'bubbles' all over the upper surface of the leaves which does not appear to affect the growth of the tree.

[edit] Source

• World Conservation Monitoring Centre 1998. Vitex keniensis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 24 August 2007.