Stevia rebaudianaStevia rebaudianaTaxonomy
Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni, Anales Ci. Parag. ser. 1, 5:3. 1905
Common synonyms
Eupatorium rebaudianum Bertoni; Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Hemsl.
Common name
Candyleaf, sweetleaf, sugarleaf.
Description
Propagule or dispersal unit is the fruit with pappus. Fertile part 2-2.5 mm long, 0.4-0.6 mm wide, in side view widest in upper part (obovoid), +/- straight, the upper (apical) end narrowing or suddenly cut off (truncate), in cross-section flattened or angular (prismatic), basal scar (carpopodium) pronounced and well-differentiated, off to the side (oblique) or at least asymmetric, rarely central, beak (=thinner sterile stalk between seed and pappus) absent, wings absent, fruit surface dark brown or black, smooth (except at cellular level), with simple straight hairs or glands or glandular hairs, thickened margin absent, longitudinal ribs present, 5-6, their surfaces smooth, with simple straight hairs.
Pappus type bristles / hairs, pappus elements all +/- similar, up to 3-4 mm long, in one row, pappus elements numerous, persistent, the individual bristles rough / serrated (barbellate), clearly wider at base, white / translucent, rarely brown.
Ecology
Perennial herb, seeds wind-dispersed. Wet tropical to subtropoical regions. Cultivated as a source of sweetener, as an alternative to sugar.
Native range
Brazil, Paragay.
Introduced range
United States, Central America, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, New Zealand?
