Pearl mei, Flowering spira
Spiraea blumei
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 1 m high. The leaves are alternate. They are often in clusters and broadly oval. They are 2-4 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The base is wedge shaped. There are 3 to 5 shallow lobes. The flowers are white. They are 3-8 mm across. They are on short shoots near the ends of branches.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It is native to eastern Asia. It grows in limestone mountains. It grows on sunny slopes. In north China it grows between 500-2,000 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, SE Asia
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaves - tea
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Kembang spira