Stevia
Stevia rebaudiana
Asteraceae
Growth habit
Herbaceous
Perennation
Cultivated as annual
Native distribution
Paraguay
Biocultural value
Native to Paraguay, the leaves contain stevioside, a diterpene glycoside that is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar but without the calories. The leaves and extracts can be used to sweeten beverages, preserves and desserts.
Location
Source of plant
Pinetree Garden Seeds
Description
Annual herb to 50cm, puberulous. Leaves opposite, oblanceolate, dentate to crenulate. Capitula very small, in corymbs, florets white.
USDA Hardiness Zone
9
Special characteristics
food, tender perennial