Catha edulis

Bushman's Tea or Boesmanstee in Afrikaans, is a lovely variety to grow in the garden. Its smooth pale grey bark which darkens to rough brown on more mature plants contrasts with the bright green foliage which turn a beautiful shade of yellow in autumn. A slow grower, taking up to 8 years to get to its mature height; generally reaching a height of 2-5m but can grow up to 10m in tropical conditions. It is naturally occurring in KZN, Eastern Cape through to parts of the Western Cape and Mpumalanga.

Khat has number of recorded uses; The Bushmen were said to use the leaves of the tree to make a tea to treat respiratory ailments and would chew the young leaves and buds to achieve a state of euphoria and excitability (perhaps not for medicinal reasons?). The leaves do contain cathinone which is said to be habit forming.

Sow shallowly in early spring into seedling trays containing well draining germination mix. Keep indoors on a heating pad in a well-lit area. This tender perennial will not tolerate frost but can, due to its slow growth habit, be planted in containers and brought indoors in winter frost areas.

Standard Packet contains 5 seeds