This large tree has a trunk up to 1.5m (5ft) wide and spreading branches that form a rounded crown. The squared branchlets have large divided glossy green oblong leaves and the reddish cup -shaped flowers appear in clusters during early spring. 

Hardiness zones 8 to 11 

Vitex lucens is naturally found in New Zealand from Mahia Peninsula in the south to North Cape in the North Island growing on the coast in lowland forests and to an altitude of 760m (2,200ft). 

It prefers a well drained fertile deep moist sandy to clay loam in a open sunny position and is frost and drought tender but salt spray tolerant.

Puriri is grown for its habit and its foliage. It is planted in large gardens or parks as a shade tree or used as a lawn specimen. It is suitable for coastal regions and establishes in 3 to 5 years. It is not commonly available out side its native region and may be difficult to obtained, requiring a specialist nursery. ID 2252

Note:
The dark brown timber is hard with an irregular grain, heavy and strong. It is used for railway sleepers or in construction.

Vitex (VI-teks) lucens (LOO-kens)

Verbenaceae (ver-be-NAY-see-ee)
Teaks, Verbenas