Status:
valid
Authors:
Rusby
Source:
gcc
Year:
1896
Citation Micro:
Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 6: 55 (1896)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000085387
Common Names
- Stevia Obovata
- Obovata Stevia
- Stevia
Synonyms
- Stevia obovata obovata [unknown]
- Stevia humilis Hieron. [unknown]
Description
Stevia obovata (also called sweetleaf, among many other common names) is a perennial shrub native to South America. It has small, white flowers and leaves that are used to sweeten food and drinks. It typically grows in moist, shady areas and is found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Uses & Benefits
Stevia obovata is used as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties. It has been used to treat digestive issues, skin problems, and as a diuretic. It is also used as a natural sweetener for food and drinks.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Stevia obovata var. aristifera B.L.Rob.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Stevia obovata has small, white flowers that are clustered together. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings have a rosette of leaves that are hairy and grey-green in color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Stevia obovata is a perennial plant that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in spring in a cold frame or in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the temperature between 18-21°C. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. To propagate by division, divide the clumps in spring or autumn and replant the divisions in the desired location.
Where to Find Stevia obovata
Stevia obovata can be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America.
Stevia obovata FAQ
What are the growing conditions for Stevia obovata?
Stevia obovata prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some wind and salt.
What type of soil is best for Stevia obovata?
Stevia obovata prefers well-drained soil, but can tolerate a wide range of soils, including clay and sandy soils.
How often should I water Stevia obovata?
Stevia obovata is drought tolerant and does not need to be watered frequently. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Species in the Stevia genus
Stevia melancholica,
Stevia perfoliata,
Stevia commixta,
Stevia pyrolifolia,
Stevia elatior,
Stevia monardifolia,
Stevia ephemera,
Stevia rebaudiana,
Stevia porphyrea,
Stevia pallida,
Stevia fiebrigii,
Stevia anadenotricha,
Stevia cuzcoensis,
Stevia eupatoria,
Stevia hoppii,
Stevia subpubescens,
Stevia jaliscensis,
Stevia orizabensis,
Stevia leucosticta,
Stevia hirsuta,
Stevia jujuyensis,
Stevia chacoensis,
Stevia fruticosa,
Stevia glandulosa,
Stevia philippiana,
Stevia setifera,
Stevia purdiei,
Stevia balansae,
Stevia coahuilensis,
Stevia dianthoidea,
Stevia ovalis,
Stevia totorensis,
Stevia amblyolepis,
Stevia aschenborniana,
Stevia crassicephala,
Stevia gilliesii,
Stevia macvaughii,
Stevia crenata,
Stevia latifolia,
Stevia chilapensis,
Stevia micradenia,
Stevia strotheriana,
Stevia yalae,
Stevia lucida,
Stevia vernicosa,
Stevia multiaristata,
Stevia lilloi,
Stevia trifida,
Stevia suaveolens,
Stevia plummerae,
Species in the Asteraceae family
Aaronsohnia pubescens,
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi,
Abrotanella filiformis,
Abrotanella rostrata,
Abrotanella linearis,
Abrotanella trilobata,
Abrotanella muscosa,
Abrotanella inconspicua,
Abrotanella trichoachaenia,
Abrotanella caespitosa,
Abrotanella nivigena,
Abrotanella pusilla,
Abrotanella linearifolia,
Abrotanella papuana,
Abrotanella rosulata,
Abrotanella emarginata,
Abrotanella fertilis,
Abrotanella spathulata,
Abrotanella purpurea,
Abrotanella patearoa,
Abrotanella submarginata,
Abrotanella diemii,
Abrotanella scapigera,
Abrotanella forsterioides,
Acamptopappus shockleyi,
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus,
Acanthocephalus benthamianus,
Acanthocephalus amplexifolius,
Acanthocladium dockeri,
Acanthodesmos distichus,
Acanthodesmos gibarensis,
Acanthospermum humile,
Acanthospermum consobrinum,
Acanthospermum glabratum,
Acanthospermum microcarpum,
Acanthospermum hispidum,
Acanthospermum australe,
Acanthospermum lecocarpoides,
Acanthostyles buniifolius,
Acanthostyles saucechicoensis,
Achillea buiana,
Achillea conrathii,
Achillea cucullata,
Achillea styriaca,
Achillea clavennae,
Achillea cappadocica,
Achillea huber-morathii,
Achillea ptarmicoides,
Achillea sieheana,
Achillea barrelieri,