Vitex rotundifolia

Description:

Phinahina or Beach vitexLamiaceae (Mint family)Indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands (All the main islands except Kahoolawe). Naturalized only in southeastern states along the east and gulf coasts.Photo: Oahu (Cultivated)Phinahina leaves are aromatic with a sage-like spicy odor when crushed and smelling much like the simpleleaf vitex (Vitex trifolia) frequently used in Hawaiian landscaping as hedges. Other descriptions of the leaf fragrance are black pepper, basil, minty, and fir trees or "like being in a forest."EtymologyThe generic name Vitex is derived from the Latin viere, to bind or twist, in reference to the flexible creeping stems of some species.The specific epithet rotundifolia is from the Latin rotundatus, rounded, and folius, leaves, in reference to the round-shaped leaves of this species.NPH00002nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Vitex_rotundifolia