Steviarebaudiana

Stevia rebaudiana By Allison Giles Mr. Rohan Biology B Block

Common name- Candy leaf, sugarleaf, Sweet herb, Sweet Herb Of Paraguay, Honeyleaf, //kaa jheé// Sugar Plant Of South America,

Domain-Eucaryota

Kingdom- Plantae

Phylum- Magnoliophyta

Class- Magnoliopsida

Order- Asterales

Family- Asteraceae

Genus- Stevia

Description- The Stevia rebaudiana is a plant whose leaves are sometimes used for as a calorie free substitute for sugar. It is said to be 300 times sweeter than sugar. When digested as a sugar this plant also has special healing powers such as the ability to lower blood sugar and pressure, reduce inflammation and prevent infection. This plant is mostly produced the sub-tropics of Central and South America. The best growing conditions for this plant is at 21 degrees C. Unique Facts- The Stevia rebaudiana has two subspecies the Bertoni and the Hemsl. This plant can be turned into a calorie free sugar substitute. This plant is in the same family as the sunflower, dandelion, marigold and chicory.

Cell Type- Eukaryotic

Type of Reproduction- Sexual

Autotroph/Heterotroph- Autotroph

Predators- Humans who use the plant as a substitute for sugar.

Symbiotic relationships- Stevioside (STEE-vee-oh-SIDE). **stevioside** is a sweet crystalline form of glucose extracted from the leaf of the Stevia rebaudiana, a small shrub found in Paraguay. This relationship is benefical to both partners

Habitat- This plant is mostly produced the sub-tropics of Central and South America. The best growing conditions for this plant is at 21 degrees C.

Interesting Facts- When digested as a sugar this plant also has special healing powers ﻿s u ﻿ch as the ability to:

-Lower blood sugar -

-Lower blood pressure -

-Reduce inflammation

-Prevents and inhibits fungal growth

-Kill viruses -

-Prevent and treat infection

Stevia rebaudiana is less expensive and a safer substitute to Splenda Since Pre-Columbian times, the Guaraní tribes of South America have used Stevia rebaudiana to sweeten drinks.

Additional sources

[] [] [] [] Works Cited

"Catalogue of Life - 2011 Annual Checklist :: Species Details." //Catalogue of Life - 2011 Annual Checklist :: Search All Names//. Web. 09 June 2011. . "Database Entry: Stevia Rebaudiana, Stevia Rebaudiana." //Wealth of the Rainforest - Pharmacy to the World from Raintree Nutrition, Inc.// Web. 09 June 2011. . "Google Images." //Google//. Web. 09 June 2011. .// //"Google Images."// Google//. Web. 09 June 2011. . "Google Images." //Google//. Web. 09 June 2011. .// //"Stevia Rebaudiana Stevia STEVIA PLANTS."// Certified Organic Herbs, Herb Plants and Perennials and Vegetables//. Web. 09 June 2011. .// //"What Is Stevia | LoveToKnow."// Medicinal Herbs | Affordable Herbs//. Web. 09 June 2011. .