Arabian tea tree, Bushman’s tea, Khat

Where does Arabian tea tree grow?

Found in: Africa, Australia, Angola, Asia, Central Africa, China, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Hawaii, India, Israel, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, United States, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Notes: There is only one Catha species. The leaves contain the alkaloids cathine, cathenine and cathidine. They affect the nervous system. The plant is banned in some countries.

Status: It's use is common in Somalia and Yemen.

Growing Arabian tea tree, Bushman’s tea, Khat

Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed or by using cuttings. Suckers and root cuttings can be used. Seeds germinate within 2 weeks. (There are 60,000-80,000 seeds per kg.) Plants can be shaped or pruned.

Edible Uses: The leaves are chewed as a stimulant. They can also be made into a tea. They are dried for tea. Caution: There are cautions about the excessive chewing of leaves. It can cause impotence.

Production: The tree is fast growing. It suckers readily. The stimulant effect is less in cooler places.

Nutrition Info

Arabian tea tree, Bushman’s tea, Khat Photos

References

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