Sweet Tea Vine (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 8 m (26ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet taste and are used as a tea. — Leaves and young stems - cooked.; The leaves have a sweet taste and are used as a tea.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets in open forests in lowland all over Japan. Forest, thickets or road sides on mountain slopes at elevations of 300 - 3200 metres in China. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)