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Botanical Name :Thelesperma gracile
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Coreopsideae
Genus: Thelesperma
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Common Name :Hopi Tea
Habitat :Native to Central and western N. America – Nebraska and Wyoming to Texas, Mexico and Arizona. Grows in dry plains, prairies and roadsides
Description:
Perennial growing to 0.75m.
It is hardy to zone 0. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil.
Cultivation:
Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun. This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain, usually requiring cold greenhouse treatment.
Propagation:
Seed – sow spring in situ, only just covering the seed. In dry weather the seed should be watered in. Division might be possible.
Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Flowers.
Edible Uses: Tea.
Flower buds. No further details could be found.. A tea is made from the leaves and dried flowers. The flowers and leaf tips are dried in an oven and then boiled for a very short time . When well made it is delicious, with just a hint of mint in its aftertaste.
Medicinal Uses:
Thelesperma gracile is considered useful for the kidneys, especially in winter. To settle the stomach and purify the blood. It is combined with Canela, Yerba Buena, or Poleo (with a pinch of cone sugar added for a more tasty brew). The tea is kind to the stomach, and was used traditionally as a vermifuge
Other Uses
Dye.
A fine reddish-brown basketry and textile dye is obtained from the plant. No more details.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider
Resources:
http://digedibles.com/database/plants.php?Thelesperma+gracile
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelesperma
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_FGH.htm