Nishinda or Five-leaved chaste tree, Vitex negundo
Nishinda or Five-leaved chaste tree ( Vitex negundo , family: Lamiaceae) is a deciduous large shrub or small tree attaining a height of 2-8 m. It has a smooth light grey to brown bark. The plant is found from East Africa to Tahiti and become naturalized in South and Southeast Asia. It is grown as an ornamental plant. The plant is also grown for medicinal use. It is found near water bodies in Bangladesh. Another Bangla name: Boro nishinda The purple to blue flowers, consist of a tube with five lobes ( the central lobe is bigger than the others ) born in panicles or clusters up to 18 cm in length. The leaves are oppositely arranged along the stems and are usually compound, composed of 3 or 5 linear leaflets, all connected at one point, 3-12 cm in length. The upper surface of the elliptic leaves are green. The lower surface is covered with white hairs. Vitex negundo is propagated by se...