Stevia

Stevia

Scientific Name:
Stevia rebaudiana

Family:
Asteraceae

Varieties:

• Default (ID: 70)

Introduction

Stevia rebaudiana, commonly known as sweetleaf, candyleaf, or sugarleaf, is a plant species within the genus Stevia and the family Asteraceae. It is native to South America, specifically in the regions of Brazil and Paraguay, where it has been used for centuries by indigenous communities for its sweet leaves, which contain steviol glycosides like stevioside and rebaudioside A. These compounds are 200-300 times sweeter than sugar but contain virtually no calories, making Stevia rebaudiana a popular natural sweetener worldwide.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Stevia rebaudiana is a tender perennial herb that grows up to 1-2 feet tall with weak, floppy stems. It has slender, oblong leaves that are typically less than 1 inch in length and width, arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are white with light purple accents, tubular in shape, and are often pruned to enhance leaf flavor.
• Growing Conditions: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soils and thrives in warm, moist environments with full sun to partial shade. It cannot tolerate frost and is typically grown as an annual in cooler climates or brought indoors during winter.
• Lifecycle: Stevia rebaudiana can be grown as an annual or perennial depending on the climate. It is propagated mainly through stem cuttings, as seeds have low germination rates.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Stevia rebaudiana could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Low Calorie Sweetener: Its leaves provide a natural, calorie-free sweetener, which could be valuable in space missions where dietary management is crucial. - Compact Growth: The plant’s small size and ability to thrive in controlled environments make it suitable for hydroponic or aeroponic systems often used in space agriculture. - Nutritional Value: Besides sweetness, stevia leaves contain other nutrients, potentially contributing to a balanced diet in space.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

Currently, there is no documented history of Stevia rebaudiana being cultivated in space. However, its characteristics make it a candidate for future space agriculture projects focused on sustainable food systems and controlled environment agriculture. Space agencies and researchers have been exploring various crops for space cultivation, focusing on those that are compact, nutritious, and easy to grow in controlled environments. Stevia rebaudiana could potentially fit into such programs due to its adaptability and nutritional benefits.