Frogfruit, Turkey tangle fogfruit

Phyla nodiflora

Physical Characteristics

Phyla nodiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - China to Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria. S. America.

Habitats

Ground Cover; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Leaves[144, 177]. No more details are given. The fresh leaves are used as a tea substitute. A grassy flavour, it is nothing special[144].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antibacterial Deobstruent Diuretic Emmenagogue Parasiticide Refrigerant The plant is anodyne, antibacterial, deobstruent, diuretic, emmenagogue, parasiticide and refrigerant[218]. It is used in the treatment of hookworm[218]. The juice of the plant is cooling and is used to relieve fevers, coughs and colds[272]. The aroma of the inhaled plant is breathed in to treat coughs and colds[272]. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of gastric troubles[272].

Known Hazards

None known