Water
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil dries slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter when the plant is dormant.
Also known as Chocolate Berry · Umtshwankela
Vitex payos, the chocolate-berry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern Africa, known for its edible, chocolate-flavored fruit and attractive flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate to High
75% intensity
Thrives in warm climates. Tolerates heat but may suffer in prolonged frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil dries slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter when the plant is dormant.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done after flowering to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth.
Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring or from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Seeds may require scarification or stratification. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and kept moist.
Young plants benefit from repotting every 1-2 years in spring. Mature plants are less fussy and can be repotted less frequently, or simply top-dressed with fresh soil. Ensure pots have adequate drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chocolate-Berry (Vitex payos)
Where Chocolate-Berry (Vitex payos) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Vitex |
| Species | Vitex payos |
Similar in genus Vitex
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data