Family: Celastraceae
Common names: Bushman's tea (Eng.; Boesmanstee (Afr.); umHlwazi (Zulu); iQgwaka (Xhosa); Khat (Arabic)

Khat is the recreational herb of choice in countries of the Arab world and Northeast Africa. From Yemen to Somalia, special khat houses are set up exclusively for the chewing of this glossy leaved, evergreen bush and the consumption of khat tea.

It´s main substance is cathinone. In Africa many people chew fresh leaves to make life a little more pleasant, also it is used in different ceremonies such as weddings. The active compound disapears after 48 hours, but dried khat still has stimulating qualities: it contains tanine, thiamine, niacine, riboflavine and caroteen, as well as iron and aminoacids

Khat is a stimulant, the effects are rather like ephedra or amphetamine and include euphoria, increased alertness and excitement, ability to concentrate, confidence, friendliness, contentment and flow of ideas.

Surface sow seeds in a sandy well draining soil. Keep moist and warm, preferably on a heat mat/humidity dome. We have found them to germinate faster when left out to dry a little mimicking the wet dry cycle. Never let them dry out too much however. Seeds should sprout 4-8 weeks. This plant will thrive in a sunny locale and continue to grow for years to come. Tolerating everything from frost to extreme heat.