Holotypus: MADAGASCAR. Prov. Toamasina: env. de la Baie d’Antongil, X.1912, fl., Perrier de la Bâthie 10311 (P [P00100756]!; iso-: P [P00084315]!).
Notes. – With the exclusion of the two varieties that we treat as distinct species, we limit V. cauliflora to plants that correspond to the typical variety. Vitex cauliflora can be recognized by its sub-coriaceous, medium-size unifoliolate leaves (8-17 × 3-5 cm) and its beige-brown villous inflorescences including the corolla (Table 1). This species is confined to low to midelevations evergreen forests in northeastern Madagascar.
Conservation status. – Vitex cauliflora is known from 15 locations, 9 of which are encompassed in the protected area network (within Anjanaharibe-Sud, Mananara-Nord, Makira, Marojejy and Masoala). With an EOO of c. 13,670 km 2 and an AOO of 60 km 2, V. cauliflora is therefore assigned a preliminary IUCN conservation status of “Least Concern” [LC].
Specimen examined. – MADAGASCAR. Prov. Antsiranana: Masoala PN, à 21 km du village de Sahamalaza sur la route de Vakoanina. Vinanivao, Antalaha, 15°48’S 50°18’E, 15-16.II.1996, Aridy & MoÏse 147 (MO, P, TEF); Marojejy AP, versant NW du Marojejy, 14°25’S 49°36’E, 1000 m, 17.X.2001, Gautier et al. 3856 (G, TEF); massif de l’Anjanaharibe (pentes et sommet N), à l’W d’Andapa (Haute Andramonta, bassin de la Lokoho, NE), [14°36’S 049°23’E], 10.XII.1950, Humbert et al. 24540 (G, K, MO, P [2 sheets], TEF); Marojejy AP, along the trail to the summit of Marojejy Est, NW of Mandena, 14°26’S 49°46’E, 7.X.1989, Miller et al. 3436 (MO, P); ibid loco, W slopes of Mt. Beondroka, 14°27’S 49°47’E, 23-24.X.1989, Miller & Randrianasolo 4404 (MO, P, TAN); ibid loco, W part of Marojejy, 14°29’09”S S 49°34’05”E, 30. I.2013, Rajaovelona et al. 562 (K, MO, P, TAN); Doany, Anjialavahely, forêt d’Ankarongameloka, versant E, 14°15’32”S 49°26’23”E, 1235 m, 10.III.2006, Rakotovao et al. 2939 (MO, P, TAN); Andapa, forêt Domaniale de Masiaposa, 14°39’20”S 49°42’20”E, 890 m, 10.XI.1995, Ravelonarivo & Lowry 866 (P, MO, TAN); Andapa, Doany, Anjialavahely, 14°14’S 49°26’E, 9.III.2006, Ravelonarivo et al. 1824 (MO, P, TAN); Ambatomenavava, Bezavona, forêt d’Ampiranaomby, 14°23’18”S 49°52’26”E, 687 m, 25.X.2010, Ravelonarivo & Raharivelo 3583 (MO, P, TAN); Cap Masoala, sources de l’Anaovanandrano (confins), 15°36” S 50 °00” E, 750 m, Wohlhauser et al. 661 (G, P, TAN). Prov. Toamasina: Fiv. Maroantsetra, Abinanitelo, Fkt. Marovovonana, between Befotsila and Sahamengo, 15°17’30”S 49°27’57”E, 695 m, 10.IX.2004, Antilahimena 2890 (K, MO, P, TAN); NW coast of Masoala Peninsula, trail E of village of Hiaraka, ESE of Maroantsetra on, 15°30’S 49°56’E, 550 m, 10.X.1986, Lowry et al. 4055 (MO, P); ibid. loco, ridge running SE of village of Ambanizana, along ridge SE of Androka riv., 15°38’S 49°59’E, 400 m, 15.X.1986, Lowry et al. 4136 (MO, P); Mananara-Avaratra NP, Antanambe, above Mavokely riv., 16°27’S 49°47’E, 24.X.1994, Prance & Andriantiana 30748 (K, MO, P, TAN); ibid. loco, 26.X.1994, Prance & Andriantiana 30817 (K, MO, P, TAN); entre Bedinta et Andranobe, 15°39’30”S 49°57’30”E, 350- 500 m, 24.XI.2001, Rabevohitra 4001 (MO, P, TAN); Mananara-Avaratra NP, 570 m, 18.X.1990, Raharimalala 2397 (P).