The plant known scientifically as Stevia rebaudiana is the source of the popular zero-calorie sweetener used globally in foods and beverages. This small perennial shrub contains intensely sweet compounds called steviol glycosides in its leaves. Understanding where this plant grows requires looking at its native environment, the specific conditions it demands for successful cultivation, and the modern commercial regions that meet those demands.
Native Origins and Plant Characteristics
The native home of Stevia rebaudiana is a restricted area in South America, specifically the highlands bordering Paraguay and parts of Brazil. For centuries, the indigenous Guaraní people cultivated and utilized the plant, which they called ka’a he’ê, meaning “sweet herb.” They used the leaves to sweeten local teas and incorporated them into folk medicine.
As a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae), Stevia rebaudiana is a tender perennial herb that typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters. Its slender, oblong leaves are where the sweetness is concentrated, produced by compounds that can be up to 300 times sweeter than table sugar. Commercial growers often trim the small, white tubular flowers because flowering can slightly reduce the concentration and quality of the sweet compounds in the leaves.
Ideal Environmental Conditions for Cultivation
For successful commercial growth, Stevia requires a climate that closely mimics its native subtropical and tropical environment. The plant thrives in warm conditions, preferring temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. Since it is highly susceptible to frost damage, it must be grown in frost-free regions or as an annual crop in cooler zones. It needs a long growing season with abundant sunshine, ideally six to eight hours of full sun daily, to maximize the production of steviol glycosides.
The physical composition of the soil is equally important; Stevia requires well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. Because the plant has a shallow root system, it needs consistent moisture but cannot tolerate waterlogging, which quickly leads to root rot. Farmers must employ light, frequent irrigation to keep the topsoil consistently moist while ensuring excellent drainage. Commercial growers typically propagate new plants using vegetative stem cuttings or tissue culture to ensure a uniform quality and consistent sweetness profile across the crop.
Major Global Production Regions
While the plant originated in South America, modern global demand has driven its cultivation far beyond its native range into regions that can replicate the required growing conditions. Today, Asia-Pacific dominates the market, accounting for over 55% of the global Stevia leaf production. China is currently the world’s largest producer, cultivating over 20,000 hectares to meet the massive demand for the refined sweetener extracts.
Other significant growing regions include Paraguay and Brazil, which continue their traditional role in cultivation. Countries like Kenya and Zambia in Africa also contribute to the supply. The United States also contributes to the global supply, though production is more limited compared to the major Asian growers.