Chaste tree

Chaste tree, Vitex agnus-castus, αgnos in Corfu (ancient Greek name), is a bush very widespread in the countryside of the island but also more widely in the Greek countryside.
Its scientific name is Vitex agnus-castus and it is internationally known by the term agnus-castus, derived from the Greek ἁγνος (pure) and the Latin castus also “pure”.
Vitex is a shrub that can reach a height of three meters and its characteristic is the large and equal branches, the rods, which are distinguished by their flexibility, which is why it is also called “wicker”, because its branches are flexible. It was widely used in basket weaving, which was developed in the countryside of Corfu and especially in the “Pahatika” settlement of Gastouri. Various locations on the island were named after the virgin, such as Agni, Agnitsini, etc.
Its flowers grow at the tops of the stems forming a conical shape. They are usually purple in color but also white. Its leaves are lance-shaped and every five joined to the central stem. It is found at low altitudes, coastal areas and along streams. It blooms from the end of June until November. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens and pots.
Other names of the lamb are: ligia, agnia and canapitsa.
It is among the top plants of female fertility. It stimulates the pituitary gland and contributes to the production and balance of hormones.
Exactly the opposite are the results of using the plant in men. The herb’s Latin name comes from the fact that monks took it as an aphrodisiac, to bring their libido under control in order to turn their thoughts to more spiritual pursuits.
Some English herbalists call the herb by its traditional name, “monk’s pepper”.