Αγνιά, Βίτεξ ο αγνός
Etymology of Vitex agnus-castus: "Vitex" comes from the Latin verb "vieo" which means "knit", due to the usage of its flexible branches in basketry. "Agnus", comes from Greek "ἁγνός" [agnos], and Latin "castus" both translated as "pure" because the small tree was considered to be sacred to the virginal goddess "Εστία" (Hestia) for the Greeks, Vesta for the Romans.
Agnus-castus is the only Vitex species encountered in Cypriot habitat.
Vitex agnus-castus is a deciduous, perennial and aromatic shrub, growing up to 2.5 metres high. It grows in sandy places or near rivers and streams, at an altitude of up to 600 metres. It mainly grows in the Lemesos, Pafos and Kyrenia districts, as well as in the Karpasia peninsula. Some places where it grows include Epsikopi, Paramali (Limassol district) and Lara beach (Pafos district). It has white or lilac flowers and it blooms from June till November.
