Bush tea
Monsonia umbellata

Family: Geraniaceae

What it is like

A herb or small shrub. It can lie along the ground or be slightly erect. It can grow 60 cm high. It can grow each year from seed or keep growing for a few years. The leaves are almost round with a heart shaped base. The leaves have a mint like smell. The flowers are white or pink. They are on loose groups.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows in well-drained stony and sandy soils. It can grow in desert. It grows below 1,400 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The stems, leaves and flowers are used for tea with milk and sugar. The seeds are added to porridge and also eaten as a snack food and in cakes. The seeds are also added to beer.

Edible parts

Stems - tea, leaves - tea, seeds

How it is grown

The seeds are collected by ants and removed from their nests.

Its other names

Local names

Etendera, Ondami, Raba

Synonyms

Monsonia rehmii Suess.;