Tea time? In the Galapagos? Indeed!   In the middle of the green vegetation of the highlands of Santa Cruz and in view of several  giant tortoises, our guests decided that it was time for tea. But not  for just any tea. We had fresh lemon grass tea, from the plant shown in  this picture. Lemon grass is an introduced species in Galapagos. People  in the Islands love to drink it, as do those who live in mainland  Ecuador. It belongs to the Gramineae Family and was introduced from  Southern India and Sri Lanka. It is cultivated in Florida and all  through South America, because it yields aromatic essential oils that  are excellent for flavoring. The scientific name of this tasty plant is  Cymbopogon citratus. We invite all of you to find this kind of grass,  boil it in water and drink it with sugar. It is really delicious! It's  even better when you are in the Galapagos Islands, surrounded by giant  tortoises.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 13 Oct 1999
From the Polaris in the Galapagos, 10/13/1999, National Geographic Polaris
- Aboard the National Geographic Polaris
- Galápagos



