Thelesperma megapotanicum
| Thelesperma megapotanicum | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Thelesperma megapotanicum (common name: navajo tea)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in situ, only just covering the seed. In dry weather the seed should be watered in.
Division might be possible.
Cultivation: Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun[1].
This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain, usually requiring cold greenhouse treatment[2].
According to one report this species might be no more than a synonym for T. gracile[3].
Range: Western N. America.
Habitat: Sandy or rocky prairies and roadsides in Texas[4]. Dry sandy soils in south-western S. Dakota.
Edibility: Flower buds[3]. No more details are given.
A tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves and flowering stems[5][3]. When well made it is delicious, with just a hint of mint in its aftertaste[3].
Medicinal: The plant has been used in the treatment of children with tuberculosis[5].
An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used as a 'nervous stimulant'[5].
An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used as a treatment for the teeth[5].
Usage: A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers[6]. Reddish-brown according to another report[5].
A brown dye is obtained from the leaves and stems[6].
An orange-yellow dye can be obtained from the boiled roots[5].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Diggs, George and Barney Lipscomb. Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas. Botanical Research Institute, 1999.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.