Fukien Tea Tree (Carmona retusa)

Plant Type: Evergreen shrub / small tree
Availability: atm online only

Product Overview

The Fukien Tea Tree (Carmona retusa), also known as Philippine Tea Tree, is a fast-growing, well-branched evergreen shrub reaching up to 3–4 m in height and width. Highly valued for bonsai cultivation, it also produces small white flowers and tiny edible fruits. Its leaves are traditionally used as a tea substitute. In the Philippines, the plant is considered as one of the most important medicinal plants.

Growth & Climate

• Growth rate: Fast-growing
• Maximum size: 3–4 m (10–13 ft) tall and wide
• Hardiness: USDA zones 10–12; tolerates light frost but not prolonged freezing
• Sun/Shade: Prefers full sun; but mine does well in semi-shade.
• Water: Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil; moderately drought- tolerant once established.

Soil & Drainage

• Soil type: Adaptable – sandy, loamy, or clay soils
• pH: Mildly acidic to mildly alkaline (neutral)
• Drainage: Prefers well-drained soil but tolerates less ideal drainage
• Tolerance: Can grow in saline soils; tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure

Uses

• Bonsai: The primary use; highly prized for its small leaves and dense branching
• Ornamental: Can be used as a decorative shrub or small hedge
• Tea: Leaves are dried (not fermented like black tea) and brewed as a mild herbal tea
• Edible fruit: Small drupe fruits can be eaten raw in small quantities
• Medicinal: This is what PFAF plant database says about fukien tea tree: “The leaves are antidiarrhoeal, febrifuge and stomachic. An infusion is used as a remedy for stomach problems, dysentery and coughs. The root is considered an antidote against plant-based poisoning and an alterative in cachexia and syphilis. Furthermore, it is traditionally used to stop the haemorrhaging resulting from the bite of the viper Echis carinatus. The roots are reported to be ingested to clean the body after childbirth. The plant has been shown to contain a range of medically active constituents. The leaves contain rosmarinic acid, flavonoid glycosides and triterpenoids. Rosmarinic acid, a phenylacrylic acid derivative, is a known inhibitor of histamine release and a methanol extract of the leaves has shown strong antihistamine release properties. In an experiment in the Philippines, tablets from the dried leaves reduced the formation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes induced by mitomycin C, tetracycline, and dimethylnitrosamine. This suggests that these tablets possess antimutagenic activity. The root bark contains ehretianone, microphyllone and ehretianone. Ehretianone, a quinonoid xanthene, has been shown to give protection against the action of snake venom. Microphyllone and ehretianone have shown antibacterial activity against a panel of bacteria. Many membes of this genus contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids and quinoid or phenolic compounds. PFAF

Additional Information

Fukien Tea is a multi-purpose plant, pretty, with edible and medicinal uses. Its leaves are carefully dried in the shade for tea, retaining nutrients and beneficial compounds. Although the fruit is small, it is edible. Ideal for bonsai enthusiasts and gardeners that want to explore rarer medicinal herbs.