Passion in Bloom, Not Bed

Seen in the Neighborhood

Vitex is also known as Chastetree. A Mediterranean plant whose medicinal uses have been known since ancient times, it is mentioned in Homer’s Illiad as a “symbol of chastity, capable of warding off evil.” Monks are said to have used it to decrease sexual desire, hence another nickname, Monk's pepper. Among women the fruits, small pepper-like berries collected in the fall, are used for menstrual irregularities. It is very attractive to butterflies and bees. This vitex was seen in full bloom on July 1 in the boulevard on Walter Reed Drive just north of Leesburg Pike.