distinct from V. trifolia. The placement of Corner was subsequently supported by several authors: Fosberg (1962), Munir (1987), and Wagner (1999). Common names Likely due to the wide range over which V. rotundifolia is native, the plant has acquired a host of common names. English speaking countries Beach vitex Round-leaved chaste tree Single-leaf chaste tree Chasteberry Monk's pepper China Dan ye man jing Japan Hamagou Korea Sunbiginamu Man Hyung Ja(mainly medicinal name) Hawaii Kolokolo kahakai Hinahina kolo Manawanawa Mawanawana Pōhinahina Polinalina Hybrids Multiple hybrids between Vitex agnus-castus and Vitex rotundifolia have been developed at the Chicago Botanic Garden. These cultivars have undergone successful trials at Longwood Gardens. The characteristics of the hybrids are more like those of V. rotundifolia than V. agnus-castus. However, the hybrids are more upright than V. rotundifolia and have been described as "open and spreading." The leaf characteristics are intermediate between the two parent plants while the blue-purple flower color of the parents persists in the hybrid. Distribution and habitat V. rotundifolia grows along sandy and rocky coasts from 0 to 15 m above sea level. Plants grow down to the ocean waves themselves. V. rotundifolia is highly tolerant of the harsh beach dune environment characterized by intense heat, high wind, coarse-textured soil, and elevated salinity. This plant's natural range includes much of the Pacific Rim and many of the Pacific islands. The plant was observed by Munir from Northern and Western Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Polynesia, Hawaii, Malaya, Philippines, and Hong Kong. Moldenke reported V. rotundifolia in Brazil, Mauritius, Reunion, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Andaman Islands, China, Taiwan, Japan, Ryukyu Islands, Korea, Indochina, Thailand, Borneo, and Sarawak. The plant has also been observed in southern India. Cultivation of V. rotundifolia has been reported in England, Florida, Germany, the Hawaiian Islands, Hong Kong, Java, Johnston Island, Maryland, and New York. At present in the United States, beach vitex has become naturalized only in southeastern states along the east and gulf coasts. Biology and ecology Beach vitex is a perennial that grows throughout the summer months in temperate and tropical areas of the Pacific. In temperate areas, the plant is deciduous and loses its leaves during the cool nights of fall. In the southeastern United States, leaves emerge in April while flowering occurs from June–August with fruiting following shortly thereafter. Fruits may remain attached to the plant into the early spring. V. rotundifolia is capable of