Ekarukei
Vitex madiensisfam. Lamiaceae
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Pl. 3028 — Vitex madiensis
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IOverview
Overview
Ekarukei, scientifically known as Vitex madiensis and belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is a versatile plant native to several African countries including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabinda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This plant thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light to medium soil types and can grow up to 4 meters tall. Ekarukei is both edible and medicinal; its fruit is commonly used, and it has documented uses in traditional medicine. One distinctive feature of this plant is its adaptability across various habitats within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Ekarukei?
Ekarukei, scientifically known as Vitex madiensis and belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is a versatile plant native to several African countries including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabinda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stresstincture
Historically used for calming effects.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Ekarukei thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in temperate regions with a hardiness range of 10-12. This plant can reach up to 4 meters in height and is native to several African countries including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, and Cameroon. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. The edible parts of Ekarukei are its fruit.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Ekarukei for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Ekarukei in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Ekarukei in spring when the soil is moist and warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to medium soil that drains well. Ensure the area gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground after the last frost, or start young plants indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the plant in late winter to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Fire starterCosmeticoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Africa26 regions
native (26)AngolaBeninBurkina FasoBurundiCameroonChadGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaMalawiMaliMozambiqueNigerNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSomaliaSudanTanzaniaTogoUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Cabinda, Central African Repu, Congo, Zaïre
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Lamiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lamiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 302855de-7111-40d5-b94a-119eadb0cc1c
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