Thelesperma megapotamicum Navajo Tea PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

UPDATE: This plant, Thelesperma megapotamicum, was originally named Thelesperma megapotanicum in this database.

Physical Characteristics

Thelesperma megapotamicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Thelesperma megapotanicum

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Flower buds[183]. No more details are given. A tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves and flowering stems[257, 183]. When well made it is delicious, with just a hint of mint in its aftertaste[183].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

The plant has been used in the treatment of children with tuberculosis[257]. An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used as a 'nervous stimulant'[257]. An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used as a treatment for the teeth[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers[61]. Reddish-brown according to another report[257]. A brown dye is obtained from the leaves and stems[61]. An orange-yellow dye can be obtained from the boiled roots[257].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun[200]. This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain, usually requiring cold greenhouse treatment[1]. According to one report this species might be no more than a synonym for T. gracile[183].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ, only just covering the seed. In dry weather the seed should be watered in. Division might be possible.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, Arkansas, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Utah, Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza) SOUTHERN AMERICA: Argentina, Uruguay

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Thelesperma gracile	Hopi tea greenthread	Perennial	0.8	-		LMH	N	DM	1	0	1
Thelesperma trifidum	Stiff greenthread	Annual/Biennial	1.0	0-0		LMH	N	DM	1	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

(Spreng.)Kuntze.

Botanical References

1274

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Thelesperma megapotamicum - (Spreng.)Kuntze.