Fukien Tea
Carmona retusa
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 59C2 — Carmona retusa
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IOverview
Overview
Fukien Tea (Carmona retusa) is a small evergreen shrub native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. This plant thrives in moist environments with light soil types—ranging from sandy to heavy clay—and prefers full sun exposure. Native to regions such as Borneo, Cambodia, China Southeast, and Hainan, it has been introduced to other areas like Taiwan and Vietnam. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, Fukien Tea is valued both for its ornamental qualities and culinary uses. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 3 meters in height, making it a notable addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Fukien Tea?
Fukien Tea (Carmona retusa) is a small evergreen shrub native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. This plant thrives in moist environments with light soil types—ranging from sandy to heavy clay—and prefers full sun exposure.
What is Fukien Tea used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Fukien Tea
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Fukien Tea has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support immune health, often prepared as a decoction. Its use is based on the belief that it can help maintain overall well-being during seasonal changes.
The mechanism by which Fukien Tea supports immune function is not fully characterised but may involve bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, known for their antioxidant properties.
- Fukien Tea is traditionally used in topical applications to support skin health, particularly for minor irritations and blemishes. It is often prepared as a poultice or applied directly.
The mechanism by which Fukien Tea supports skin health is not fully characterised but may involve anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe the skin.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Fukien Tea support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Fukien Tea thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and grows to a height of 3 meters. For propagation, use the fruit or leaves. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture while maintaining well-drained conditions to prevent root rot.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Fukien Tea for the first time
8steps
Start with a Fukien Tea plant in a container, as it's easier for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A Fukien Tea plant, well-draining potting mix, and a container with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early summer when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a potting mix that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and ensure the container has good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant your Fukien Tea from its nursery pot to a larger container if needed, ensuring not to damage roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial shade and avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Place your Fukien Tea in full sun once established. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, placing in full sun immediately after planting, not providing enough drainage, and neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Hedgerow
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
23 native · 6 introduced
Distribution
23 native · 6 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 23 native· 6 introduced
Asia10 regions
native (10)CambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarPhilippinesSri LankaTaiwanThailandVietnam
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Solomon Is., Sulawesi, Sumatera, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Christmas I., Hainan, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Nansei-shoto, New Guinea
introduced:Marianas, Nicobar Is., South China Sea, Trinidad-Tobago, Andaman Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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