Native to Brazil and Paraguay, stevia leaf is known for its delightful taste. Stevia rebaudiana leaves have been used for over a thousand years by the Guarani tribe for their healthful benefits and to cut the bitterness of local teas. Now cultivated in tropical regions worldwide, stevia leaf makes a great addition to tea blends, herbal formulas, and culinary creations. Stevia comes from a group of plants that are native to South America. In tropical regions it grows as an evergreen shrub. However, in temperate regions it can be grown as an annual or herbaceous perennial. Stevia leaf also goes by the common names of candyleaf, Paraguayan sweet herb, and sweetleaf. It is a member of the Asteraceae plant family.