The plant markers have been spoken for. I still have lots of plants to trade (Please see my trade list). So if anyone else is interested in my plants, let me know. Thank you!

A relatively recent explanation has it that Vitex was an anti-aphrodisiac for men*, but an aphrodisiac for women. Though this site says: "In ancient Greek mythology the Chaste Tree was associated with the Greek goddess Hera who had domain over marital chastity. It is said she was born and nursed beneath a Chaste Tree on the Greek island of Samos."" Duelling effects are not just postulated for Vitex. Awhile back I posted an online list of things cider vinegar was supposed to accomplish, which included helping just about any condition you could name. The author(s) claimed it was good for both weight loss and weight gain. Some try to reconcile these contradictions by labeling certain herbs as "adaptogens", which comes across as a more science-y way of saying "Good for what ails you". ;) *As to the monks, based on reports about what they were up to from ancient times on through Rasputin...if they were taking any anti-aphrodisiacs, they evidently didn't work so well.

The tale I've heard was that the monks used to sprinkle the ground seeds over their food to act as an anti-aphrodisiac. Nuns used it too - but they used to line their bedding with the herb in the hope it would help to 'keep them innocent'. Certainly, in modern times, the seeds are used as a sedative! Actually, these days it's used to balance the libido in both men and women, and for women with menstrual or menopausal problems. It is used only for short-term treatment, and is not suitable for women under 20. It does interfere with other hormone treatments, including contraceptive pills because of its hormonal action. We're talking medicinal doses, of course. Usual Dosage: Pour 1 cup boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the ripe berries and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. Take three times a day. Works best in an alkaline environment, so take 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda in water 30 minutes before use, and do not drink cranberry juice or other acidic juices while using it. The leaves can be used added to food as a flavouring, apparently, but it's the berries which are used medicinally.

Irma, I had the Vitex tree for a few years in my zone 9b and it was carefree, compact , with nice and good smelling flowers. The only reason that I took it out is because it was planted too close to the mango and avocado trees at the corner of the fence.