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Candyleaf

How to identify Candyleaf (Stevia rebaudiana)

Candyleaf, also known as Sweetleaf

Candyleaf typically achieves a stature of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height and is a member of the aster family. The foliage exhibits a lush green hue, and the leaves are the most prominent feature, being harvested for their natural sweetness. While candyleaf may produce flowers, these are often removed to enhance leaf flavor. The plant has a bushy growth habit and is known for its rich, herbaceous appearance.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Candyleaf

1

Oppositely arranged oblong leaves with serrated edges and sweet taste (25-30 times sweeter than sucrose).

2

Small white flowers with light purple accents, tubular shape, and clustered arrangement (2-6 florets per cluster).

3

Petite, bristly, one-seeded fruit with hardy protective shell and subtle coloration blending with foliage.

4

Slender, floopy green stems measuring 0.12-0.2 inches (3-5 mm) in thickness, displaying a zig-zag growth pattern.

5

Non-noteworthy, free-flowering flowers lacking scent, enhancing modest appearance with clustered, inconspicuous nature.

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Detailed Traits of Candyleaf

Leaf Features

The leaves of candyleaf are slender, oblong, and measure around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. They are arranged oppositely on the stem. The leaf surface is oval to elliptical with slightly serrated margins, and features a pronounced midrib running down the center. The leaves are green, exhibit a delicate texture, and are notable for their sweet taste, reported to be 25 - 30 times sweeter than sucrose. These leaves are edible raw and are a source of stevioside and rebaudioside compounds.

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Flower Features

The flowers of candyleaf are white with light purple accents, small and tubular, borne in terminal clusters. Each cluster typically contains 2 to 6 florets. These flowers are free-flowering and become more abundant during short days, promoting blooming. The flowers are relatively inconspicuous, and their small size and clustered arrangement are key identification features. There is no notable scent attributed to the flowers, making them distinctively modest in appearance.

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Stem Features

Candyleaf features green, thin stems that exhibit a somewhat floopy nature. These stems are typically slender, measuring around 0.12-0.2 inches (3-5 mm) in thickness. The stems possess a smooth texture and often display a slightly zig-zag, flexible growth pattern. Branching is few and irregular, with nodes distributed along the stem where leaves and other branches emerge. The green coloration can range from a bright, vibrant hue to a more subdued tone depending on the growing conditions.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of candyleaf is a petite, one-seeded achene that possesses a bristly texture. Among its distinguishing characteristics is the fruit's hardy protective shell, which encases the solitary seed. Upon reaching maturity, the fruit typically adopts a subtle, nondescript coloration that blends with the surrounding foliage. Despite its delicate size, which measures just a few millimeters across, the bristly surface is a notable feature that can aid in its identification. The surface may present a slightly rough feel to the touch, enticing interest for its unique tactile quality.

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Key Facts About Candyleaf

Attributes of Candyleaf
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Spread
60 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Candyleaf

Family
Daisy
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Species
Candyleaf (Stevia rebaudiana)
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Distribution Map of Candyleaf

Candyleaf is originally native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America. Over time, it has been introduced and cultivated in various places, prominently in warmer regions of the globe. Its cultivation is not confined to its native range and has been adopted in other major areas suitable for its growth requirements.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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