Fever tree, Lemon bush, Fever tea
Lippia javanica

Family: Verbenaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It has many branches. It grows 4.5 m tall. The leaves are opposite. They are sword shape with rounded teeth along the edge. The leaves have a smell. The flowers are white and in dense round heads. They are in the axils of leaves. The fruit are small and dry.

The leaves are used in herbal teas.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 2,200 m above sea level. It usually grows near rivers and water.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Asia, Australia, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Northeastern India, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are also added to curries for flavour. The leaves are used to make a tea substitute.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves - flavouring, leaves - tea, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Anthai bajab, Basula, Berma dari, Beukesbossie, Bokhukhwane, Chisunganjeu, Izinziniba, Kachigwere, Koorsbossie, Koseret, Lagachu take, Mchamsi, Mchasi, Mchenjema, Mosungwani, Mosukubyane, M'suzwani, Mukundamboho, Mumara, Mushani mukuru, Mussumbe, Musudzungwane, Musumba, Musutane, Muthiethi, Mutswane, Ni'upe, Pichas bon, Tchanze, Umsuswana, Umsuzwane, Uzinzilibe, Zumbani

Synonyms

Lippia asperifolia Rich.; Lippia whytei Moldenke; Verbena javanica Burm. f.;