Sweet tea vine
Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family plant. It is an evergreen climber. The roots grow horizontally. The stems are 1 cm across. It has few branches. It has aerial roots. Each leaf has 3-7 sections spread out like fingers on a hand. The flowers are yellowish-white. The fruit are round and black. They are 6-8 mm across. The seeds are oval and 4 mm long. They have a wrinkled surface.

Where it is found

It is a temperate to tropical plant. It needs to be in moist, well-drained soil in part shade. It is a weed in northern China. In Yunnan. In Cairns BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Indochina, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Laos, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves and stems are cooked and eaten. The leaves are used for tea.

It is packed and exported. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. They need to be soaked for 24 hours before sowing.

Its other names

Local names

Amacha-zuru, Amenggeichi, Co yem, Gai ya, Jiao gu lan, Jiaogulan, Kang reng, Lei ya zha kuo, Naiqmiqjavhhaq, Thutrang 5-la

Synonyms

Vitis pentaphylla Thunb.;