On the map in 2 countries crop

Khat

Catha edulis

Family: Celastraceae

On our map this plant appears in 2 countries and ranks highest in: Yemen, Ethiopia.

An evergreen shrub or small tree of the spindle family, usually growing to 1.5–6 m, with leathery, serrated leaves and small white flowers. Young leaves and shoots contain cathinone – an alkaloid with a stimulant effect similar to amphetamine, which breaks down quickly after picking, so khat is chewed fresh. It originates in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In many countries outside the region it is a banned substance.

Description from: Ethiopia.

More: Wikipedia (en) Wikipedia (pl) Plants of the World Online (Kew)

Significance in each country

Yemen no. 3 of 8 cultivated

Chewing khat at afternoon gatherings (takhzin) is central to social life in Yemen. Growing it, however, consumes enormous amounts of water and is displacing traditional coffee and cereal crops, one of the country’s serious problems.

Ethiopia no. 6 of 10 native

Chewing khat has a long tradition in Ethiopia, especially among Muslims in Harar and eastern Oromia, where it accompanies prayer, study and social gatherings.