Quick facts
| Arabic name | الجعدة |
|---|---|
| English name | Felty Germander (Jaada) |
| Scientific name | Teucrium polium |
| Family | Mint family (Lamiaceae) |
| Plant type | Small perennial aromatic shrub |
| Height | 20 to 50 cm |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
October to December
Flowering time
April to July
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A small shrub with small leaves with curly edges and white fuzz, and small white or yellow flowers in round heads.
Where it grows
Grows on rocky slopes, valleys and plateaus.
Soil
Poor rocky or gravelly soil with good drainage.
Water and irrigation
Needs very little water.
Climate and light
Handles heat, cold and drought.
Propagation
By seed or cuttings.
Benefits and uses
- A fragrant plant for rock gardens
- Saves a lot of water
- Attracts bees
- Known in folk heritage
Drawbacks
- Very bitter taste
- Taking a lot can harm the liver
- Grows slowly
Important notes
Do not use it as a remedy for long periods. Studies linked heavy use to liver damage.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Teucrium polium
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Teucrium polium
- Wikipedia: Teucrium polium
- Chaudhary, S. A. (1999-2001). Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Riyadh.
- National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) - Plant finder
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)