Family: Lamiaceae

Vitex lucens (pūriri, New Zealand Chaste Tree) is a large tree endemic to New Zealand. It is known for its excellent hardwood, said to be the strongest wood in New Zealand. There are reported to be puriri fence posts that are over a 100 years old and still standing. The Māori people, who are indigenous to New Zealand, or Aotearoa, utilized leaf infusions for a range of purposes, including treating backaches, joint pain, ulcers, sore throats, and sprains, as well as for washing and preserving deceased bodies. Additionally, Pūriri timber played a crucial role in Māori culture, being employed in the crafting of garden tools, weapons, and the construction of defensive forts and palisades. It is potentially naturalizing in some areas outside of its native range within New Zealand. This plant is extremely hardy and can withstand being cut in half, being grazed, uprooted and still survive. Its ability to grow in tropical climates and be self-fertile give it some risk of naturalizing in Hawaiʻi.

High Risk Traits:

• Able to grow in subtropical climates
  
• Possibly naturalizing in parts of New Zealand, outside natural distribution
  
• Other Vitex species have become invasive
  
• Forms pure stands in native range
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and intentionally by people
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting or damage to tree

Low Risk Traits:

• Marginally subtropical (may limit spread to higher elevation in tropical ecosystems)
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable foliage may limit spread
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental
  
• Low seed set, possibly due to pollinator limitations
  
• Light demanding
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively