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khat
Scientific Name: Catha edulis
Family: Celastraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Khat (Catha edulis)
Khat, also known as qat, chat, qaad, or miraa (and sometimes referred to as "Tea of the Arabs"), is a flowering evergreen shrub whose leaves and fresh shoots are chewed for their stimulant effects.
The plant contains two main stimulant drugs, cathine and cathinone, which speed up the mind and body. For centuries, khat leaves have been consumed in regions where it's cultivated, particularly in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Considerations for Pets
- Khat is typically consumed by chewing the leaves and stem tips.
Considerations for Children
- The plant contains stimulant drugs.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Catha edulis
- Common Names: Khat, qat, chat, qaad, miraa, "Tea of the Arabs"
- Belongs to the family Celastraceae.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
- Grown in countries around the Red Sea and on the eastern coast of Africa.
Morphological Characteristics
- A flowering evergreen shrub.
- Features dark green, opposite leaves.
Uses and Legal Status
- Traditionally, khat is chewed for its stimulant effects.
- The UK banned khat as a class C drug, effective June 24, 2014.
- It is also banned in the US and the Netherlands.
- Khat is imported to areas like East London and sold in greengrocers.
Quirky Facts
- In Yemen, khat was used even before coffee.
Further Information
- WebMD provides patient medical information for khat.