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Stevia
الستيفيا · Stevia rebaudiana
A herb whose leaves are much sweeter than sugar, used as a natural sweetener.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | الستيفيا |
|---|---|
| English name | Stevia |
| Scientific name | Stevia rebaudiana |
| Family | Daisy family (Asteraceae) |
| Plant type | Perennial herb |
| Height | 40 to 80 cm |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
March to April
Harvest time
June to October
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 upright plant with toothed paired leaves and small white flowers.
Where it grows
Grown in pots and home gardens in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, the Eastern Province and Al-Qassim.
Soil
Needs light, well-drained soil.
Water and irrigation
Regular, moderate watering.
Climate and light
Likes warmth and morning sun.
Propagation
Mostly from cuttings.
Benefits and uses
- A natural sweetener with no calories
- Good for pots
Drawbacks
- Strong heat and drought harm it
- Its sweetness can leave a slight bitter taste
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Stevia rebaudiana
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Stevia rebaudiana
- Wikipedia: Stevia rebaudiana
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) - Plant finder
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)