Woody > Catha > Catha edulis > Catha edulis
Catha edulis
Mike's
Opinion
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This deciduous tree showcases a spectacular autumn and spring colour, growing to be 10-15 m in height with drooping branches, and houses the ability to stimulate a human organism.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Celastraceae |
| Genus |
| Catha |
| Species |
| edulis |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 11a |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| greater than 9a |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H1c |
| Temperature (°C) |
| 5 - 35 |
| Temperature (°F) |
| 41 - 95 |
| Height |
| 15 m |
| Spread |
| 7 - 8 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| The plant is a shrub/tree that grows to 15 m in height. Deciduous trees with bright green leaves that when chewed give a euphoric feeling. |
| Landscape |
| The Catha edulis is an attractive tree that can be planted in groups or in mixed beds, where it gives height all year round and beauty in the autumn months. The wood/bark is also used for a variety of reasons. The bark exhibits strong fine-grained attributes, therefore it makes good use for firewood and furniture. The bark is also used as an insect repellent and the stem is used for fence poles. |
| Cultivation |
| The cultivation of the Khat plant is quite simple. It can be grown from either seeds or plant cuttings, whatever is easier to obtain. They like full sun, but will also tolerate partial sun and even shade. They like loamy, free-draining soil, and minimal watering, making these dry conditions. PH levels are meant to be neutral with flowering periods in the summer months. |
| Shape |
| This plant can start as a shrub, over time forming into a slender shape, an upright crown and drooping branches. Growth on this plant is considered to be fast, it takes seven to eight years for the Khat plant to reach its full height. |
| Growth |
| Fast |
| ID Characteristic |
| The bark is light grey, and is often rough and cracked. The young stems are pinkish in colour. The leaves of this tree are opposite and are hanging. They have a leathery texture and are shiny bright green on the upper surface. The leaf margins are strongly serrated, and when chewed it gives a medicinal effect. |
| Pests |
| Major Khat diseases are powdery mildew, blight, and leaf spots. Some less common but still prominent diseases/pests include but are not limited to: stem borers and red spider mites, resulting in huge losses for farmers. |
| Habitat |
| This plant is typically found in dry, well drained areas. More specifically Khat is found in woodlands and on rocky cliffs. It is scattered in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape, moving inland. It is usually associated with bushveld, rocky outcrops, being close to mist belts or running water at high altitudes. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| The Bark on young branches is light grey, has powdery yellow pigments, is smooth and may appear pink. Over time, the bark becomes darker, rough and cracked. If the tree sheds, bark reveals powdery yellow pigment. Young twigs may have a pink colour that can spread into the petiole and midrib. If the bark is exposed to major sunlight on one side it can exhibit even pinker colours. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| Flowering buds are best observed with a hand lens, since they are quite small in size (2mm). They are seen as a white creamy or green colour. It is saucer shaped with an evenly distributed tooth margin. The Corolla has 5 creamy-white or green Petals. |
| Leaf Description |
| Leaves are thick and firm, rather leathery and shiny. Younger leaves can be spirally arranged, hanging in a pendulous form. Leaves are up to 11 × 5 cm; Catha leaves are hairless and have a single blade. In autumn, the deciduous tree leaves may turn an attractive yellow with evenly serrated wavy margins. These serrations point towards the apex. Venation is easier to observe under a magnifying glass, since veins in the leaves are not deeply visible. They are said to be lateral. |
| Flower Description |
| Flowers are small, usually white with a three winged bud attached. There are 2 ovules per locule. The short Style ends with a 3 lobed stigma. |
| Fruit Description |
| The fruit capsule is about 1 cm long and almost triangular in shape. The initially green capsule turns red and becomes red or brown before splitting. This usually occurs in months from may to November. |
| Colour Description |
| The colour of this plant can be described as leaves with glossy green pigments, with the serrated edges being reddish-pink in most cases. It's possible that leaves may turn an attractive brown in autumn months. The bark colouring is described as golden-brown, and young stems have a smooth grey look. The fruit is said to be green when it is in bud form, eventually turning red or brown when it turns into a flower. Flower pedals are a creamy white/green when in bloom with some hints of yellow in the apex of the flower. |
| Texture Description |
| The textures of this plant are interesting, leaves are thick and firm and feel leathery when touched or rubbed together. The leaves will feel quite smooth to the touch, unlike the bark on this tree. Bark on the Catha edulis is rough and cracked, usually exhibiting algae growth. If the bark is removed from the wood, it reveals fine grained attributes. It is not recommended to remove it, since the bark acts as an insect repellent in the wilderness. |
| Notable Specimens |
| Notable specimens can be observed in Alnwick, England at the Alnwick Botanical Garden. They house a special garden strictly dealing with plants such as the Catha edulis to educate society on medicine in the garden. |
| Propagation |
| Seeds that are propagated for indoor conditions are planted deep in a flower pot filled with sand or cactus compost, or a mixture of both. Seeds are then covered with a potting mix, and then a handspray is applied to the surface with water, and repeated as required to keep the surface moist but not wet. Place the pot in a bright area that is out of direct sunlight. The seedling should germinate in about a week. Catha edulis seedlings are prone to damping off, so it is a good idea to spray with an anti-mould compound. When seedling appears, move into a sunlit area. Once roots are visible, move the plant to a bigger pot for optimal growth. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
| The Catha edulis has quite an impactful effect in ethnobotany. Its wood is used for rafters, fence posts and furniture. It saws and polishes well, and can be made into wood pulp. If the leaves are consumed, the alkaloids in the Leaf called Cathine and Cathinone are absorbed, acting as a short stimulant. This effect can be compared to a strong cup of coffee. In ancient times, it was known as the “maker of dreams”. Leaves and shoots are brewed as tea or are chewed. Plants are used in local medicine. Bark is used as an insect repellent. |
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