Kumufutumbwe ( vitex Fischeri )

Derivation of the name: Khufutumbwa - to curve. The derivation of the name is similar to kumufutu. Mbwe -  may have been derived from a type of black jackal ( Engibwef) which likes eating ripen fruits of kumufutumbwe.

Natural habitat and distribution in Bungoma: Habitat - woodland grassland and forest margins.

Distribution: common in woodlands and wooded grassland, on rocky sites found in  cultivated land.

Deep black sweet fruit

Description: Bark grey, rough. Leaves opposite, 5- foliate, leaflets  of different size, may be sandpapery above, densely tomentose beneath, apex acuminate. Flowers in large axillary cymes, white to mauve. Fruit purple to black when mature, 8-12mm in diameter.

Physical features: shape: medium sized tree up to 15 m high, short bole. Crown : semi circular and densely branching. Foliage: dense deciduous.

Biological features: Mulch: high leafy biomass production and good much quality.

Tree/crop association: the tree is left in cultivated land, non-competitive to most crops.

Biomass production: slow growing tree. Other characteristics: drought resistant. Reproduction: seeds. Management: lopping. Ecological benefits: wind break, soil conservation, afforestation of rocky sites.

Tree products and use: firewood, charcoal, posts for fencing, building and construction, fodder, bee-forage,wooden vessels ( tray, mortar ) fruit.

Medicinal application: Leaf: diarrhoea, tonsils, chest problems in cows, Root  tape worm infection.

Cultural features: together with kumubenubenu the tree is used to set up a cattle shed.