Contents
Description
Catha Edulis, commonly known as khat or qat, is a flowering plant native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is a small to medium-sized evergreen shrub that grows up to 5 meters tall. Its leaves and stem contain psychoactive alkaloids, making it a popular recreational drug in some parts of the world.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Catha |
Appearance
Catha Edulis has dark green, glossy leaves that are elliptical to lanceolate in shape, with a length of 5 to 10 cm and a width of 1 to 4 cm. Its flowers are small and white to yellowish-green in color, with a diameter of 2 to 3 mm. Its fruit is a capsule that is 3 to 5 mm in diameter, containing 1 to 3 seeds.
Care Guide
Catha Edulis prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. It can tolerate drought but not waterlogging. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. Fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer every 2 to 3 months during the growing season.
Common Pests & Diseases
Catha Edulis is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. It can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent pest and disease infestations, maintain good hygiene and avoid overcrowding.
Habitat
Catha Edulis is native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where it grows in dry, rocky areas and along riverbanks. It is also cultivated in other parts of the world, such as Yemen, Kenya, and Madagascar.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Catha Edulis legal?
A: The legality of Catha Edulis varies by country. It is illegal in some countries, such as the United States, while in others, it is legal or partially legal.
Q: How is Catha Edulis consumed?
A: Catha Edulis is typically chewed or brewed into a tea. It can also be smoked or vaporized.
Q: What are the effects of Catha Edulis?
A: The effects of Catha Edulis include increased energy, alertness, and sociability. It can also cause insomnia, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
Q: Is Catha Edulis addictive?
A: Yes, Catha Edulis is addictive. Prolonged use can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
Related Plants
- Catha cassinoides
- Catha edulis var. longipes
- Catha mabesoides
- Catha rigida
References
- Al-Motarreb, A., Baker, K., Broadley, K. J., & Khatib, O. A. (2002). “Sensitization of human airway smooth muscle to histamine by khat (Catha edulis Forsk.)”. Thorax, 57(4), 324-327.
- Cox, G., Rampes, H., & Adeniji, O. (2003). “Prevalence and characteristics of users of khat, the leaves of Catha edulis (a drug of abuse) in South London”. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 6(1), 53-69.
- Wassie, T., & Aragie, L. L. (2013). “Review on Catha edulis (Khat) and its psychoactive constituent cathinone”. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 4(01), 8-13.
