Sea heath, St Helena tea
Frankenia portulacifolia
Family: Frankeniaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It probably has 5 partly fused sepals and 5 separate petals. The fruit is a small capsule.
The plant may now be extinct. There are 73 Frankenia species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It probably grows in coastal salty habitats.
Countries/locations it is found in
Atlantic, St Helena (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The leaves have been used as a substitute for tea.
Edible parts
Leaves - tea
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Beatsonia compacta Surgis; Beatsonia portulacifolia Roxb.; Frankenia beatsonia Schult. & Schult.f.;