Beach vitex (Vitex rotundifolia): Medicinal properties, biology, invasive characteristics and management options

Abstract

Beach Vitex (BV) (Vitex rotundifolia-L. f.) has become a major invasive plant in the fragile beach ecosystems of the Carolinas. This prostrate, salt tolerant shrub from the Pacific Rim was introduced to the southeastern United States as a landscape plant. It has since established large-scale clonal monocultures through rapid vegetative reproduction. Concerns surrounding exclusion of native species and inhibition of sea turtle nesting have served as the impetus for control efforts of BV in coastal areas of southeastern US. In areas where it occurs naturally, native peoples have included BV in their pharmacopias for treatment of many ailments. The purpose of this review is to raise awareness of its invasive potential while serving as a compilation of information about the biology, ecology and medicinal properties of BV. Its potential beneficial uses indicate a need for further exploration and development of this plant but only in areas away from the coast. This plant is a major invasive problem in coastal areas for many reasons and must be dealt with quickly so that it will not become a larger problem. Imazapyr effectively controlled beach vitex in reported greenhouse and field studies applied either as a cut stem treatment or as a foliar spray.