St Helena tea
Frankenia portulacifolia Spreng.
Frankenia portulacifolia, known as St Helena tea, is a salt-tolerant plant in the Frankeniaceae family. It is endemic to the islands of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. This species is adapted to harsh, dry, and rocky environments, including rocky shores and weathered volcanic ash. The IUCN classifies it as Critically Endangered due to its very limited population, estimated at around 3,500 individuals.
Description
Frankenia portulacifolia is a species native to the islands of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. It belongs to the Frankeniaceae family and is commonly known as St Helena tea. The plant is found in dry, rocky, and inhospitable areas, often growing on weathered volcanic ash. Its population is critically low, with only approximately 3,500 individuals remaining, leading to its classification as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. The species was first described in 1825 by Spreng.
Other common names
St Helena Tea PlantTea PlantSt Helena tea
Distribution
Global · St.Helena
Synonyms
Beatsonia compactaBeatsonia portulacifoliaFrankenia beatsonia