Description
Sweet tea vine (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is native to Asia, specifically China, Korea, and Japan. It is a perennial vine that grows quickly, reaching heights of up to 20 feet. It has green, five-lobed leaves and small white or pink flowers.
In terms of growing conditions, sweet tea vine prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate a range of soils, including clay and sand, but does best in moist, humus-rich soil. It is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
The leaves and stems of sweet tea vine are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They can also be dried and brewed into a tea. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fatigue, stress, and high blood pressure.
