khat, (Catha edulis), slenderevergreentree orshrub, the leaves and young buds of which are chewed for a euphoric effect. The plant is native to theHorn of Africaand theArabian Peninsula and is an important cash crop inYemen,Somalia, andEthiopia; it is oftencultivated in areas that do not support other agricultural plants.

Effects and regulation

When chewed, the bitter-tasting leaves and young buds release the stimulantscathinone andcathine, which produce a mild euphoria. Khat-chewing creates feelings of excitement, and individuals often become very talkative under its influence. Although thedrug is central to social life in some countries, the plant and cathinone are considered controlled substances in much of Europe, theUnited States, andChina.

Physical description

Khat is a slow-growing plant that can reach a height of 25 meters (80 feet). It has finely toothed large ovalleaves and small five-petalled whiteflowers borne in short clusters in the axils of the leaves. Young stems are commonly reddish in color. The plant is usuallypropagated from cuttings and tolerates a range ofsoil conditions. It can be harvested several times a year.

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Plants: From Cute to Carnivorous