Sweet Tea Vine
Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Family: Cucurbitaceae
What it is like
Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 8 m (26ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 8
Where it is found
Thickets in open forests in lowland all over Japan. Forest, thickets or road sides on mountain slopes at elevations of 300 - 3200 metres in China.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves and young stems - cooked. The leaves have a sweet taste and are used as a tea.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 5
The whole plant is a tonic herb that improves the circulation, stimulates liver function, strengthens the immune and nervous systems, and reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It also has sedative effects, relieving spasms and lowering the blood pressure. It is used internally in the treatment of nervous tension and exhaustion, peptic ulcer, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It was rated among the ten most important tonic herbs at a conference on traditional medicines in Beijing in 1991.
Alterative: Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.
Anticholesterolemic: Prevents the build up of cholesterol.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).
Hypoglycaemic: Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
The plant is used in proprietary preparations for cosmetics and anti-ageing tonics.
Cosmetic: Used to improve the physical appearence of a person.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Requires a rich well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in a warm sheltered position in partial shade. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. A problematic crop outdoors in Britain, it can be grown successfully as an annual in a greenhouse but requires a long hot summer if it is to do well outdoors. Plants tend to be annuals or short-lived perennials. A climbing plant, attaching itself to supports by means of tendrils. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Some plants might be monoecious.
Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow it in spring in a rich compost in a greenhouse, placing 2 - 3 seeds per pot. Thin the seedlings to the strongest in each pot and grow the plants on fast. Plant them out after the last expected frosts and protect them with a frame or cloche until they are growing away well.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist