Childbirth Tea
Baeckea frutescens

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A slender shrub. It grows 1-4 m tall and spreads 1-2.5 m wide. The branches are thin. The tips hang down. The leaves are 1-2 cm long by 0.1-0.3 cm wide. They are pressed against the stem when young but become spreading. The flowers are 0.3-0.5 cm across. They are white and occur singly in the axils of the upper leaves. There are 8 stamens with 2 shorter than the others.

There are 70 Baeckea species. Most are in Australia.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in open heathland. It grows in colonies along the edges of casual streams. It can also be on mountain tops. It needs a sunny position and a well drained soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

A tea is made from the leaves and flowers.

The leaves are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, flowers - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Beringas, Chuchur atap, Churan atap, Cucor atap, Hujong atap, Ijar atap, Jung rabat, Junjung atap, Kayu rachak, Mrichtonsay, Rampa-rampa, Rempah-rempah, Sesapu, Si gamei-gamei, Tagai, Tutur atap, Tuturan atap, Ujung atap, Weeping baeckia

Synonyms

Baeckia chinensis Gaertn.; and others