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Common Name:

General Information

Sideritis syriaca is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.40 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. Europe - E. Mediterranean in Crete.

Habitat

Mountain rocks[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a perfectly drained gritty humus-rich soil, preferably slightly alkaline, in full sun[]. Once established, this is a very drought-tolerant plant, it grows well in a hot dry position[].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country. It tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c but is intolerant of winter cold if this is accompanied by wet conditions[].

Edible Uses

The leaves and flowering tops are sold for tea in local markets[]. An aromatic herbal tea is made from the plant[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring[].