Tsaang Gubat Carmona retusa

About Tsaang Gubat

Tsaang Gubat, scientifically known as Carmona retusa (synonym Ehretia microphylla), is a small evergreen shrub belonging to the family Boraginaceae. The common name translates literally from Filipino as "forest tea" or "wild tea," reflecting its traditional use as an herbal tea infusion for digestive ailments. Internationally, the plant is better known as Fukien Tea — a name derived from China's Fujian Province where it is widely cultivated as an ornamental and bonsai specimen.

The shrub typically grows to 1 to 2 meters in height with a naturally compact, densely branched growth habit. Its leaves are small (1 to 3 cm long), dark green, leathery, and slightly rough to the touch with minute white dots on the upper surface. The plant produces tiny white tubular flowers that develop into small round berries, ripening from green to orange to black. This combination of small leaves, interesting bark texture, and natural dwarfing tendency makes Tsaang Gubat one of the premier bonsai materials available to Philippine enthusiasts.

What makes Tsaang Gubat remarkable is its dual identity in Philippine culture. On one hand, it is a DOH-approved medicinal plant — one of the official 10 recommended herbal medicines — prescribed for stomach pain, diarrhea, and intestinal motility disorders. On the other hand, it is one of the most sought-after bonsai materials in the Philippines, with mature trained specimens commanding high prices among collectors. This dual purpose as medicine chest and living art makes it one of the most rewarding native shrubs a Filipino gardener can cultivate.

History and Discovery

Carmona retusa was first described by the Spanish botanist Antonio Jose Cavanilles in 1799, originally under the name Ehretia microphylla. The genus Carmona honors the Spanish pharmacist and botanist Don Antonio de Carmona. The species epithet retusa refers to the slightly notched or rounded leaf tips characteristic of the plant. The taxonomic history is complex — the plant has been classified under both Carmona and Ehretia, and both names remain in common scientific use today.

The plant is native to a broad range across tropical and subtropical Asia, including the Philippines, southern China, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, and parts of the Malay Archipelago. In the Philippines, it occurs naturally in secondary forests, thickets, and open rocky areas from sea level to mid-elevation throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It is particularly abundant in the limestone areas of Cebu, Bohol, and the Cagayan Valley.

Filipino traditional healers (albularyo) have used Tsaang Gubat for centuries as a digestive remedy, brewing the leaves into a tea given to patients suffering from stomach cramps, loose bowel movements, and dysentery. The scientific validation of these traditional uses came through research conducted by the Philippine National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP) in the 1980s and 1990s, confirming the plant's anti-diarrheal, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial properties. This research led to its inclusion in the DOH list of recommended herbal medicines under Republic Act 8423.

How to Plant Tsaang Gubat

Propagation methods: Stem Cutting (preferred), Seed, Air Layering

Rooting time: 4 to 6 weeks from cuttings

Best planting season in the Philippines: June to August (rainy season onset)

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

1. Select your planting material. Choose semi-hardwood stem cuttings 10 to 15 cm long from a healthy Tsaang Gubat shrub. Cuttings should have at least 3 nodes and be taken from actively growing (but not too soft) branches. Alternatively, collect ripe black berries from an existing plant — each berry contains 1 to 4 small seeds. Cuttings are preferred for faster results and genetic consistency.
2. Prepare cuttings or seeds. For cuttings, remove all leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to improve success rate — Tsaang Gubat roots less readily than some other Philippine shrubs, so this step is recommended. For seeds, remove the fleshy pulp from ripe berries, wash seeds clean, and soak overnight in water.
3. Plant in appropriate medium. Insert cuttings into a mix of coarse river sand and compost (2:1 ratio), burying about two-thirds of the cutting length. For seeds, scatter on the surface of moist seedling mix and cover with a very thin layer (2 to 3 mm) of fine soil. Place containers in a partially shaded location — full sun is too intense for newly planted cuttings.
4. Maintain humidity during rooting. Mist cuttings daily with a fine spray. Cover the container with a clear plastic bag or dome to create a humid micro-environment that prevents the cuttings from drying out before roots develop. Seeds require warm, consistently moist conditions and may take 3 to 6 weeks to germinate.
5. Transplant after rooting. Once cuttings show new leaf growth (typically 4 to 6 weeks), they have rooted successfully. Harden them off by gradually removing the humidity cover over one week. Transplant rooted cuttings or seedlings (at 10 cm height) into their permanent pot or garden location with well-drained soil. Gradually introduce more direct sunlight.
6. Shape and train. Once established, begin shaping through regular pinching of growing tips. For medicinal harvest, allow the plant to grow freely as a natural shrub. For bonsai, begin training after the trunk reaches pencil-thickness — typically 1 to 2 years from planting. Use bonsai wire to shape branches and develop the desired style.

Care Guide

Sunlight

Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Tsaang Gubat is adaptable to a range of light conditions. It grows most vigorously in full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily) but also performs well in partial shade with 4 to 6 hours of filtered or morning light. For bonsai specimens kept indoors, place near a bright window with eastern or western exposure. Outdoor garden plants in the Philippines do best with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially during the intense March-to-May dry season when full afternoon sun can scorch the small leaves.

Water

Frequency: 2 to 3 times per week

Tsaang Gubat prefers consistently moist but never waterlogged soil. Water when the top centimeter of soil feels dry to the touch. During the hot dry season, this may mean watering every other day for outdoor plants and daily for small bonsai pots. During the rainy season, reduce watering and ensure containers have adequate drainage. For bonsai, the small pot volume dries out quickly — check moisture daily and water thoroughly when needed, allowing excess to drain completely.

Soil

Type: Well-drained sandy loam, bonsai mix

pH Range: 5.5 to 7.0

Tsaang Gubat requires well-drained soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mix of garden soil, coarse sand, and compost in equal parts works well for garden planting. For bonsai, use a specialized mix of akadama, pumice, and lava rock (or the Philippine equivalent: crushed red river stone, coco coir, and carbonized rice hull in equal parts). The key is balancing moisture retention with excellent drainage — the fine roots are susceptible to rot in saturated conditions.

Humidity and Temperature

Humidity: 60 to 80%

Temperature: 22°C to 35°C

The Philippine tropical climate provides ideal conditions for Tsaang Gubat. The plant thrives in the warm, humid environment typical of lowland and mid-elevation areas across the archipelago. It is sensitive to cold temperatures below 15°C and should not be exposed to cold drafts from air conditioning when grown indoors. Maintain good ambient humidity — if growing as indoor bonsai in an air-conditioned room, use a humidity tray or mist the foliage daily to prevent leaf drop.

Fertilizer

Feed Tsaang Gubat with balanced organic fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the active growing season (April to October). For garden-planted shrubs, apply compost or vermicast as a top dressing twice yearly. For bonsai, use diluted liquid fertilizer (half-strength) every 2 weeks during the growing season, reducing to monthly during the cooler months. Avoid heavy fertilization immediately after repotting or during periods of stress.

Pruning

Regular pruning is essential for both medicinal production and bonsai shaping. For medicinal use, lightly trim the shrub every 2 to 3 months to encourage dense, bushy growth that maximizes leaf production. For bonsai, practice clip-and-grow technique — allow branches to extend 6 to 8 leaf pairs, then cut back to 2 to 3 pairs. This builds taper and ramification over time. Tsaang Gubat responds well to pruning at any time of year in the Philippine climate, though growth response is fastest during the warm wet season.

Growing Medium Options

Tsaang Gubat is exclusively grown in soil-based media. The plant requires the physical support of a solid growing medium for its woody root system and does not adapt well to hydroponic or water-culture systems. For garden planting in the Philippines, use native garden soil amended with sand and compost to ensure good drainage. For bonsai culture, the Philippine bonsai community commonly uses a mix of crushed volcanic rock (locally available from Taal or Pinatubo deposits), carbonized rice hull, and coco coir — these local materials provide excellent drainage and aeration at a fraction of the cost of imported Japanese bonsai substrates like akadama. The most critical requirement regardless of mix is that water drains freely through the medium within seconds of watering.

Medicinal Uses and Preparation

Medicinal parts: Leaves (primary), Bark

DOH-approved indications: Stomach pain (gastralgia), diarrhea, intestinal motility disorders

Leaf Decoction for Stomach Pain and Diarrhea

The primary medicinal preparation is a leaf decoction brewed as tea. Wash 8 to 10 fresh mature Tsaang Gubat leaves thoroughly under running water. Place the leaves in a pot with 2 glasses (approximately 400 mL) of clean water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid turns a golden-brown color and reduces to approximately 1 glass. Strain through a fine cloth, allow to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature, and drink as directed below.

Dosage Guidelines (DOH-recommended)

Mouthwash Preparation

Tsaang Gubat is also traditionally used as a mouthwash and gargle for oral health. Prepare a stronger decoction by boiling 15 to 20 leaves in 1 glass (200 mL) of water for 15 minutes. Cool completely and strain. Use this preparation as a gargle and mouthwash 2 to 3 times daily after brushing. The natural tannins, rosmarinic acid, and antimicrobial compounds in the leaves help manage mouth sores, sore throat, and general oral hygiene. This use is supported by studies showing significant antibacterial activity against common oral pathogens.

Active Medicinal Compounds

Scientific research has identified several active compounds in Tsaang Gubat leaves responsible for its medicinal effects. These include rosmarinic acid (antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory), tannins (astringent and anti-diarrheal), flavonoids (antioxidant), and triterpenes. The anti-diarrheal activity is attributed primarily to the tannins that reduce intestinal secretions and slow motility, while rosmarinic acid provides the antispasmodic effect that relieves stomach cramping.

Dual Purpose: Medicine and Bonsai

A unique advantage of growing Tsaang Gubat is that it serves both medicinal and aesthetic purposes simultaneously. A bonsai-trained Tsaang Gubat provides a readily accessible source of medicinal leaves for occasional digestive complaints while also functioning as a living work of art. When harvesting leaves from a bonsai specimen for medicinal use, take only a few leaves at a time from different areas of the tree to avoid creating bare patches that would disrupt the aesthetic form.

Important disclaimer: While Tsaang Gubat is DOH-approved and generally safe at recommended doses, it is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis. Consult a healthcare professional for diarrhea lasting more than 2 days, bloody stool, high fever, or signs of dehydration — especially in children and the elderly.

Air Quality and Oxygen Production

Tsaang Gubat contributes to indoor and outdoor air quality through continuous photosynthesis in the Philippine tropical climate. As an evergreen shrub that retains its leaves year-round, it provides a steady (though modest, given its small size) oxygen output. For bonsai enthusiasts who keep specimens indoors, Tsaang Gubat can contribute to the overall air quality of a room, though its compact size means the contribution is primarily aesthetic rather than significant in terms of air purification volume.

CO₂ absorption: Low to Moderate (due to small overall plant size)

The true air quality benefit of Tsaang Gubat comes when planted in multiples — as a medicinal hedge or grouped planting in a community garden. Several plants together present meaningful leaf surface area for photosynthesis. In urban Philippine environments, Tsaang Gubat hedges along property boundaries serve the triple purpose of privacy screening, air improvement, and providing a community source of medicinal leaves accessible to all households nearby.

Toxicity and Safety

Humans: Non-toxic at recommended medicinal doses

Pets: Non-toxic — safe around cats and dogs

Tsaang Gubat is considered non-toxic and safe for human consumption at the doses recommended by the DOH for medicinal use. The leaf tea has been consumed by generations of Filipinos without significant adverse effects. No serious toxicity has been reported at normal therapeutic doses. Excessive consumption of very strong decoctions may cause mild constipation due to the high tannin content — this is the opposite of its intended anti-diarrheal use and simply indicates over-dosing.

The plant is not known to be toxic to household pets. Cats and dogs may occasionally nibble the leaves without ill effect, though they typically show no interest in the plant due to its slightly bitter, astringent taste. The berries, while not commonly consumed by humans, are eaten by birds and are not considered toxic. Tsaang Gubat is safe to grow in homes with children and pets, and its use as indoor bonsai poses no health risks from proximity or casual contact.

Common Pests and Diseases in the Philippines

Pests

• Spider mites — the most common pest, especially on indoor bonsai in dry, air-conditioned environments. Tiny red or brown dots visible on leaf undersides cause stippling and eventual leaf drop. Control by increasing humidity, misting foliage regularly, and spraying with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Mealybugs — white cottony masses in leaf axils and on stems. Remove manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For heavy infestations, spray with insecticidal soap at weekly intervals until clear.
• Scale insects — small brown or white bumps on stems and branches. Scrape off manually with a soft brush or spray with horticultural oil during the cooler months.

Diseases

• Root rot — the primary disease risk, caused by waterlogged soil or poor drainage in pots. Prevent by using well-draining media, pots with adequate holes, and never letting the plant sit in water. If caught early, unpot, trim rotted roots, and replant in fresh dry medium.
• Leaf spot — occasional fungal spots during prolonged rainy periods. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves. Rarely serious for established plants.
• Sooty mold — black coating on leaves caused by honeydew secreted by mealybugs or scale. Treat the underlying pest problem and wipe leaves clean with damp cloth.