Vitex negundo, commonly known as the Chinese chaste tree, five-leaved chaste tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the Lamiaceae family, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and widely distributed from India and China to the Philippines and parts of Africa. It typically grows 2 to 8 meters (6 to 25 feet) tall, with a graceful, spreading habit and slender, grayish bark that becomes rough with age. The plant is easily recognized by its aromatic, palmately compound leaves, usually composed of five lanceolate leaflets. During late spring and summer, Vitex negundo produces elongated clusters of small, fragrant, lavender to pale blue flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These blooms are followed by tiny, rounded, blackish-purple berries that are rich in essential oils. The plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils and demonstrates remarkable tolerance to heat, drought, and poor soil, making it an excellent choice for erosion control and as a hardy ornamental shrub in tropical gardens. Ecologically, it provides nectar for pollinators and shelter for small wildlife.