Scoparia dulcis L. (Plantaginaceae)
- Scientific name
- Scoparia dulcis L.
- Family name
- Plantaginaceae
- Common name
- Macao tea (English); seitaka kanabikiso (Japanese)
- Local name
- Krot-nam, kra-tai-cham
Perennial herb, woody at stem base, 50–75 cm tall. Leaves simple, opposite, blade lanceolate, margin serrate, basally cuneate, glabrous, c. 3–5 cm long × 12 mm wide. Inflorescence a terminal panicle, or axillary cluster. Flowers numerous, pedicels slender. Sepals 4, oblong. Petals white, minute. Fruit a globose capsule.
Common weed in wastelands and other sunny, dry habitats. Seeds typically dispersed by cattle and buffaloes. Propagated by seed broadcasting on raised beds in full sun with sufficient watering.
Young shoots are harvested during the rainy season and eaten raw for their sweet taste.
Young shoots are harvested during the rainy season and eaten raw for their sweet taste.