FAMILY :: CELASTRACEAE
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According to a grant sponsored by the United Nations Fund for Drug Abuse Control, the main subjective effects of Khat use are “euphoria, improved intellectual efficiency and alertness.” The active principles are norpseudoephedrine and cathinone. It is non addictive, but extreme excessive use can produce some symptoms of amphetamine psychosis. A synthetic diet drug related to cathinone is phenylpropanolamine.
While the Muslim religion (predominant in the geographical area where Khat is used) bans alcohol and other drugs “harmful” to the body, it doesn’t ban Khat. The illegalization efforts that have been made in the past in this area have all been by the occupying colonial powers (primarily the English and Italians).
To some Muslims, Khat is known as “the flower of paradise.” It grows easily to a large shrub or small tree in sub-tropical locations. Mature specimens I have observed have survived temperatures down to about 25º f. It is widely adaptable to different conditions and soils but seems to grow best in rich, moist, well-drained sandy soil in full sun (coastal) or light shade (inland). In its natural habitat, Yemen and Ethiopia, it grows to tree size on hill sides at about 6000′ elevation where it has a relatively stable temperature of 80º f. It is very easy to grow in Puerto Vallarta and the rest of the tropical world.
Normally the leaves are not harvested until the plant is 4-5 years old, after the plant matures and flowers. It is customary to drink coffee or sodas while chewing the young, tender leaves and stems. Sometimes bubble gun is chewed simultaneously (especially by Yemeni college students). The taste of Khat is somewhat astringent, especially if older, lower quality leaves are used. The effects (lasting from 2-3 hours) range from a mild increase in energy to a full-blown speed-like high, depending, of course on the quality and amount consumed.
Khat is rarely grown from seed in its native habitat because, as with most commercially grown drug plants, much effort has been made to develop higher quality strains. That being said, seeds are often the only method of propagation available to people living in restrictive areas. Germination is quick and easy. Cover fresh seeds lightly with sand and keep moist and in light shade. They will sprout in 2-3 weeks.
CULTIVATION:
Khat is relatively easy to grow in sub-tropical or tropical regions of the world. It is easy to grow in greenhouse conditions in temperate regions as long as the low temperature to which it is exposed remains above freezing. It is happiest at 80-90 degrees (f) or 28-32 degrees (C) but will survive and often even thrive at lower temperatures.
Germination is simple. Plant the seeds near the surface of any well-drained soil and keep them moist. In 1-2 weeks, they should begin growth. During the first year, they grow slowly, reaching only a foot or so in height. After the first year, they grow rapidly to large bush or small tree size and are ready for harvesting in 3-4 years. Pruning tips helps increase leaf and stem production. After the first year, these plants are heavy feeders and require frequent fertilization to maintain their rapid growth. Never let their soil dry completely.
Catha edulis will grow well in full sun or part shade. It’s ideal is 80 degrees (f) at about the 6000′ elevation in the tropics. This translates well to part shade, 80 degrees (f) at lower elevations.
Generally, the more red on the stems and veins of the leaves, the stronger the Khat is considered to be.
BOOKS ABOUT KHAT:
Eating the Flowers of Paradise
The Leaf of Allah
Kenyen Khat
MOVIES ABOUT KHAT:
The English Sheik And The Yemeni Gentleman (yemen) 2000 A film about prewar Yemen, the culture and people before the US and Saudi Arabia have bombed the hell out of the people and land. Perspective is everything. (the online source of this movie seems to put a bit of porno advertising before you can access the movie)
ARTICLES ABOUT KHAT:
Khat (Catha edulis) —an updated review, Nezar Al-hebshi, PhD His associated bibliography is impressive.