Fulu (Vitex keniensis)

Family: Lamiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Meru Oak, Vitex keniensis, is a fast-growing deciduous tree in the Verbenaceae family that is native to Kenya and is threatened by habitat loss. It grows up to 30 m in height and up to 300 cm in trunk diameter. It has a tall, straight trunk and light green compound leaves with five leaflets. The flowers are small and cream with one mauve petal lobe. The soft, black, ellipsoidal drupe fruits are edible.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw. Usually only eaten in times of food shortage. Another report says that the fruit is sold in local markets. The soft, black fruit is an ellipsoid drupe, 13 - 16mm long. — Usually only eaten in times of food shortage.; Another report says that the fruit is sold in local markets.; The soft, black fruit is an ellipsoid drupe, 13 - 16mm long.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist evergreen forest and on thicketed rocky hills at elevations from 1,300 - 2,100 metres. (Zone 10)