Sweet Honey Leaf, Stevia
Synonym: Eupatorium rebaudianum
Family: Asteraceae
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Recommended Temperature Zone: USDA: 9b-11 or annual Heat Tolerance: Afternoon shade in Phoenix Sun Exposure: Full sun Origin: Highlands of Paraguay Growth Habits: Shrubby perennial, up to 3 feet tall (90 cm) Watering Needs: Keep soil moist Propagation: Cuttings or seeds |
Stevia rebaudiana from the rain forests of Brazil and Paraguay contains stevioside and rebaudiosideA, substances that is 100-300 times sweeter than table sugar, yet it contains virtually no calories and is not broken down by heat. The greatest use of stevia today can be found in Japan where it accounts for 40% of the sweetener market. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't approved using stevia in food in this country, but extracts can be found as dietary supplements.
Blooming Habits:
In the fall, the Stevia rebaudiana has showy inflorescences of small white flowers with darker center. The flowering is provoked by shorter days, the plant is the sweetest just before blooming.
Fruiting Habits:
Propagation:
Stevia seeds have a reputation of having a a very poor germination rate.
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