Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

One can find robust wicker forest areas (Vitex agnus-castus) along the riverbed of this stream. Its seeds and extract from various parts are used to treat hormonal problems in men and women. Its wood is hard but flexible and and used in the past for various purposes (basketry, cleaning and perfuming the barrels, wooden small objects etc). In Kythera, wicker was widely used in basketry plaiting, as was skinos (Pistacia lentiscus), reed (Arundo donax) and willow (Salix alba). In Karavas, there were basket-makers until about 1965, who took orders and sold their products at the market of Potamos. e It was an important supplementary income for them, alongside agriculture and other occupations. The wicker trees were cut and when the new shoots came up, they were bunched up together and put in the water of the ravine 3-4 days to soften. That's why they were usually soaked in a cool spot in the ravine. People made baskets of various kinds and sizes, for specific uses, such as to carry the laundry or stones , etc. Depending on the material, they were separated between baskets made of cane and made of straw. When they cleaned the back, the baskets acquired an almost white color and were considered luxury. With the widespread use of plastic, the baskets had limited use and this art has now been lost.