Knobweed
Hyptis capitata

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb or shrub. It grows 1-2 m tall. The leaf bearing twigs are 4 angled. The leaves and twigs have a strong odour when crushed. The leaves are 6-14 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. The leaves are hairy and these are more obvious on the upper surface. The flowers are in dense round heads.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows from sea level to 750 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Ecuador, South America

How it is used for food

The leaves are boiled and mixed with sugar as a drink.

Edible parts

Leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Albahaca de monte, Al jiel taeco, Biojo, Bola de gato, Caballo sisa, Calabos tape, Jelen te'pun, Mala racha, Mansaniya tape, Manzanilla, Mastranto, Nohabianyono, Nojabiam, Supay kiwa, Wa te'pun

Synonyms

Clinopodium capitatum (Jacq.) Sw.; Hyptis capitata var. mariannarum (Briq.) Briq.; Hyptis capitata var. mexicana Briq.; Hyptis capitata var. pilosa Briq.; Hyptis capitata f. pilosa Donn.Sm.; Hyptis capitata var. vulgaris Briq.; Hyptis celebica Zipp. ex Koord. [Invalid]; Hyptis decurrens (Blanco) Epling; Hyptis macrochila Mart. ex Steud. [Invalid]; Hyptis mariannarum Briq.; Hyptis rhomboidea M.Martens & Galeotti; Mesosphaerum capitatum (Jacq.) Kuntze; Mesosphaerum rhombodeum (M.Martens & Galeotti) Kuntze; Pycnanthemum decurrens Blanco; Thymus virginicus Blanco;