Description

Latin name: Catha edulis
Also know as: Khat, Qat, Qaad, Khaad, Miraa

Catha edulis – Khat Seeds

Khat (Catha edulis) is a flowering plant native to eastern and southern Africa. Khat contains the alkaloid cathinone, a stimulant, which is said to cause excitement, loss of appetite, and euphoria. Khat chewing has a history as a social custom dating back thousands of years analogous to the use of coca leaves in South America and betel nut in Asia.

About Khat

Khat is a slow-growing shrub or tree that typically attains a height of 1–5 meters. However, it can reach heights of up to 10 m in equatorial areas. The plant usually grows in arid environments, at a temperature range of 5–35 degrees Celsius. It has evergreen leaves, which are 5–10 cm long and 1–4 cm broad.

It takes seven to eight years for the khat plant to reach its full height. Other than access to sun and water, khat requires little maintenance. Ground water is often pumped from deep wells by diesel engines to irrigate the crops, or brought in by water trucks. The plants are watered heavily starting around a month before they are harvested to make the leaves and stems soft and moist. A good khat plant can be harvested four times a year, providing a year-long source of income for the farmer.

Additional information