Moujean Tea

Common names

• Bahama Berry
• Moujean Tea
• Pineapple Verbena

In the Antilles, the Lamiaceae or the mint plant family has three different characteristic genera. For instance, Nashia has as many as seven species that are indigenous to the Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola as well as Puerto Rico. For instance Nashia inaguensis is widespread in marshy dry woods on the Great Inagua Island in the Bahamas archipelago. However, they are seldom seen in St. Croix and Puerto Rico. An evergreen shrub, moujean tea is indigenous to the Inagua Island in the Bahamas. Often, this shrub is grown in the form of a bonsai plant, as its features are miniaturized. The plant bears minute white flowers that appear in clusters during the summer and this is followed by small reddish-orange hued berries. The plant has a preference for complete sunlight, warmth and elevated levels of humidity. The plants should always be kept damp to wet and never allowed to become dry. If you are growing this plant indoors, it will like to have warm feet during the winter months - you may try using a heat mat. As discussed earlier, moujean tea or Nashia inaguensis is a small, perennially growing, evergreen shrub having elongated curved stems. The leaves of this species are miniaturized growing up to anything between one-fourth inch and half-an-inch in length. The leaves are shiny and their surface texture is wrinkled and coated with minute hairs. When crushed or bruised, the leaves emit an aroma that has been compared to vanilla, honey or citrus. The tiny white flowers of the plant are extremely aromatic, but inconspicuous. The flowers appear in clusters at the nodes of the leaves. Moujean tea is a loosely growing and spreading shrub having several branches. This plant may grow up to a height of 2 meters and its mature trunk may measure 5 cm to 10 cm across. It bears fragrant leaves that are simple and appear opposite to each other on the stem. The shape of the leaves varies from ovate to elliptic to spatulate, and they are rolled back at the margins (revolute). The flower heads are sessile, axillary and few flowered, having a strigose (having stiff bristles) calyx. The corolla is white-hued, four lobed and measures roughly 2 mm in length. The corolla contains four stamens. While the shrub's foliage is extremely fragrant, the pollinators, especially the Atlas butterfly, find the tiny white flowers of this plant very attractive. Often this shrub is also referred to as pineapple verbena - an incredibly aromatic plant. Apart from the flowers having a strong jasmine fragrance, when crushed or bruised, the leaves too emit a spicy fragrance similar to that of vanilla, honey or citrus. Moujean tea is seldom found growing in wild, even in its native places. It is mainly a cultivated species. This shrub can thrive well in several different types of soil, but it necessarily requires a soil that is rich in organic substances and is also well drained. However, the herb is very sensitive and cannot tolerate drying out. While many species generally return from the edge of withering when they are watered properly, moujean does not. When this plant started wilting, it does not bounce back to life even after watering following a dry spell. Hence, you need to ensure that you should not allow the moujean tea to dry out. At the same time, this plant also does not like soggy roots. It is, therefore, advisable that you plant them in such a place in your garden or yard where you will usually not forget to water the plants regularly. Moujean tea is also somewhat susceptible to cold; however, this plant grows extremely well in containers, provided they are positioned close to a south facing window receiving enough sunlight. Moreover, this herb also possesses the aptitude to survive well indoors during the winter months. Moujean tea plants may become somewhat leggy as well as spindly in case you allow them to grow freely. However, they will just be right and fit the pots excellently when you prune them with caution. This plant is also known as "I Dry - I Die". Dissimilar to several tropical plants that can be restored to life even from the verge of death and wilting, moujean tea plant is very sensitive and dies when the soil becomes dry. In fact, this plant, also known as Bahama berry prefers a warm or hot climatic condition. When grown indoors, this plant will like to have warm feet, especially during the winter months.

Parts used

Leaves.

Culinary uses

Nashia inaguensis produces minute leaves as well as fruits, which may be employed fresh or dried for future use. The leaves of this plant are somewhat though and, hence, it is essential to infuse the fresh tea for a comparatively longer period. The dried out leaves may, however, be pulverized or grinded for future use. Moujean tea is very delectable and you may add some honey to sweeten this tea before drinking it. Alternately, you may also chill the tea and blend it with rum to enhance the flavour of the liquid. Chefs trying to find a novel flavour ought to try this striking little spicy plant. In fact, the aroma and flavour of this tea would also confound the most experienced epicurean. In an apricot glaze, it would contribute to a pleasant complexity. When included in desserts, the potential of this spice is limitless - anything you can imagine.

Habitat and cultivation

Moujean tea or Nashia inaguensis has a preference for complete sunlight, warmth (a temperature no less then 5�C). In addition, it is necessary to grow this herb in elevated humid conditions. It is so sensitive that even a very short spell of aridity will destroy the plant. You can propagate moujean tea from cuttings, ideally during the spring or warm nights during the beginning of the summer. It is worth mentioning here that this herb grows most excellently from its cuttings. When growing in its place of origin, moujean tea is often a creeper, crawling along sunny, rocky outcroppings, which are partially sheltered from continuous high gusts. Propagating Nashia inaguensis is quite easy. This plant has a preference for a fertile, properly drained soil. However, moujean tea plants possess the aptitude to endure various different types of soils. Ensure that you keep the moujean tea plants uniformly damp while cultivating them. You also need to fertilize the plants every week during the spring and summer using a balanced fertilizer. On the other hand, fertilize the plants only once every month during the winter. The plants may also be wired. In order to retain their shape, trim the plants often. It is a wonderful plant for clipping and growing. The young plants should be transplanted in separate pots in the beginning of the summer, and not during August end. You can cut the roots of the herb severely at the appropriate time of the year, without any problem. Nashia inaguensis or moujean tea is a wonderful plant for growing in the form of a house plant or bonsai shrub. This herb draws plenty of butterflies, bees and birds.