Family: Lamiaceae

Vitex parviflora, commonly known as “molave” or “small-flowered chaste tree,” is a medium-sized tree to 30 mm tall native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is spread by cuttings from roots or stems and by bird-dispersed seeds and has become invasive and dominant over large areas of Guam, competing with, and hindering native forest growth. It was also planted widely in Oahu forests between 1919 and 1936 and was documented as naturalized in the Waiahole area of the island in 2008.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oahu, Hawaiian Islands
  
• Environmental weed in Guam
  
• Other Vitex species have become invasive
  
• Host plant for important pest and diseases
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms dense stands in Guam
  
• Produces viable seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and intentionally by people
  
• Able to reproduce vegetatively from stem segments
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Ornamental and forestry uses (timber)
  
• Self-incompatible
  
• Reaches maturity in 5+ years
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control