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rooibos
Scientific Name: Aspalathus linearis
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Rooibos: The Red Bush Tea of South Africa
Rooibos, also known as red bush tea or red tea, is a caffeine-free herbal infusion made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant. While often called "red tea," it is not derived from the actual tea bush (Camellia sinensis).
The name "rooibos" is Afrikaans for "red bush." It is sometimes also spelled "rooibosch."
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Legume (Fabaceae)
- Scientific Name: Aspalathus linearis
- Common Names: Rooibos, Red Bush Tea, Red Tea
Distribution and Habitat
- Rooibos grows exclusively in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, specifically in the fynbos region and the Cederberg mountain area.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Rooibos is described as a broom-like shrub.
Traditional Uses and Health Benefits
- Rooibos tea has a long history of use in South Africa for its perceived health benefits.
- Reported benefits include relief from headaches, insomnia, asthma, eczema, bone weakness, hypertension, and allergies.
- It is also believed to ease stomach cramps and offer anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.
- Rooibos is rich in antioxidants.
Quirky Facts
- Rooibos was rediscovered in 1772 by botanist Carl Humberg and introduced as a beverage.
- In South Africa, you might greet someone with "Howzit Rooibos Rockers!"
Further Information
- RooibosTea.com is presented as an Internet authority on rooibos tea.