Hottentot tea
Plecostachys serpyllifolia

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A small shrub. The branches are slender and young parts have a white coating. The leaves are 10 mm long by 7 mm wide. The edges are wavy.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows in coastal regions on flat land. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a tea substitute.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Vaaltee

Synonyms

Gnaphalium globuliferum E. Mey. ex DC.; Gnaphalium helianthemifolium Burm. f.; Gnaphalium orbiculare Thunb.; Gnaphalium serpyllifolium P. J. Bergius; Helichrysum orbiculare (Thunb.) Druce; Helichrysum serpyllifolium Pers.; Xeranthemum serpyllifolium Lam.;