Pauper's-Tea
Sageretia thea
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, China, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gulf States, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Malaya, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tadzhikistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rhamnaceae
- Genus:
- Sageretia
- Species:
- Sageretia thea
- USDA Symbol:
- SATH5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, greenish-white
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers soils with good organic content
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 2-3 months before sowing.