Herb: Algerian Tea


Latin name: Paronychia argentea


Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family, Starwort Family)



Medicinal use of Algerian Tea:

An infusion of the leaves is aphrodisiac and diuretic. It is also used in the treatment of TB.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
10 cm
(4 inches)

Flowering:
July to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Dry rocky habitats.

Edible parts of Algerian Tea:

An infusion of the flowers is used as a tea.

Other uses of the herb:

Especially useful as a ground cover plant after bulbs have flowered. The plants form a low carpet, rooting as they spread, and they should be spaced about 30cm apart each way.

Propagation of Algerian Tea:

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry rocky habitats.

Known hazards of Paronychia argentea:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.