I first came across one of these trees about four years ago only the one I found then was much smaller than this one. You can see it here. Last weekend, I found this one not far from where I live. This one is obviously much older than the first one I spotted.
I just love those gorgeous lavender blooms. The Chaste Tree (sometimes called Monk's Pepper) is native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe. The berries from these trees are still used today as an herbal solution to some female problems like PMS or hormonal imbalances. Who knew?
15 comments:
It is a special tree I have never heard of. Haven't seen one either, I like the purple colour.
Lovely colours. Eye candy at it's best.
It has lovely blooms, Sharon!
Oh I remember this tree Sharon, it gets better and better with age. More of those gorgeous purple blooms, would love one in my garden 💜
I learned this is a Buddlia or butterfly bush. Up north they don't grow as large as they do here. I'm amazed the size they grow to here in AZ.
It stands out.
Not just cactus in the dessert
I've never heard of a "chaste tree." Is it called that because it can set seed by itself, without pollination from another plant? That would also explain the "monk" reference. Or is it because it's used to treat "female problems," as you put it? Strange. I'll have to look it up.
OK, I looked it up! Apparently it was thought to be an anaphrodisiac, hence the name "chaste tree" -- but it can also self-pollinate!
Very pretty, the blossoms are gorgeous.
I think there are several of those trees growing here, although I have yet to see them in bloom like this.
The blooms are quite pretty.
They are beautiful trees, I have one in my garden, I harvest the seeds each year and keep them for use when making my herbal teas.
Great photos.
I think I may have seen these trees before, perhaps in California. They are very striking.
A gorgeous tree.
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