Algerian Tea
Paronychia capitata
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
Paronychia capitata is an evergreen Perennial. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Dry rocky habitats.
Europe - Mediterranean.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
An infusion of the flowers is used as a tea.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
An infusion of the leaves is aphrodisiac and diuretic. It is also used in the treatment of TB.
Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
TB: Plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis
Other
Rating: 3
Especially useful as a ground cover plant with bulbs, covering the soil after the bulbs have flowered. The plants form a low carpet, rooting as they spread, and they should be spaced about 30cm apart each way.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Requires a sunny position succeeding in hot dry soils and tolerating drought once established. Requires a warm open position in full sun, in a sharply drained sandy or gritty soil. If the soil is too rich the plants leaves will not be so silvery. Plants can be grown in a wall. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c, perhaps more if in a perfectly drained soil. This report is a little confusing since the same article says that the plant succeeds in climatic zone 5 and should therefore be hardy in almost all of Britain. This species is closely related to P. argentea but is less tolerant of winter cold and wet conditions.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist