Paronychia capitata

Paronychia capitata, known as Algerian tea, belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. Its native range covers the Mediterranean region and Canary Islands. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Kew classes it as a subshrub from temperate regions. Plants For A Future describes it as an evergreen perennial. In the wild, it grows in dry, rocky places.

The plant forms a low carpet and roots as it spreads. Its leaves stay on the plant throughout the year. Lean soil helps the leaves keep their silvery look. Rich soil can make this colour less marked. Flowers appear from July to August, and insects pollinate them. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied sources give no mature height or spread. They also give no details of its fruit.

Grow it in full sun, in a warm, open spot. It does not grow in shade. Sandy or gritty soil with sharp drainage suits it well. It also accepts loam if water drains away freely. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soil. The plant can grow in dry or moist ground. Once established, it can withstand drought and hot, dry conditions. These needs reflect its rocky native habitat.

Hardiness reports conflict, so cold tolerance needs care in interpretation. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8. Yet its notes give a lower limit near −5 to −10°C. Those notes suggest good drainage may improve winter survival. They also question the source's own zone claims. In gardens, this plant serves as ground cover among bulbs. Its carpet covers soil after the bulbs finish flowering. It can also grow in walls and cultivated beds. Suggested planting gaps are about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Division in spring offers one way to raise more plants.

The flowers have a recorded use as an infused tea. The leaves also have reported uses in traditional medicine. These include promoting urine flow and claims about sexual function. The source also records use for tuberculosis, not proof of benefit. Such reports do not establish safe or effective treatment. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. That statement does not confirm safety for people or pets. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.