Qaat is a slow-growing shrub or tree that typically
attains a height of 1-5 m. However, it can reach heights of up to 10 m
in equatorial areas. The plant usually grows in arid environments, at a
temperature range of 5-35 °C. It has evergreen leaves, which are 5-10
cm long and 1-4 cm broad, oblong to elliptic or obovate. The shrub's
flowers are produced in leaf-axils in short cymes that are 4-8 cm in
length. Each flower is small, with five white petals. The samara fruit
is an oblong, three-valved capsule, which contains one to three seeds.
Qaat leaves are chewed in Africa, similar to paan in India. Qaat is
native to Africa, cultivated elsewhere.
Medicinal uses: In traditional African and
Arabic medicine the leaves and roots of khat are considered a panacea
against all sorts of ailments and diseases.
Identification credit: Aarti Khale
Photographed in Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Bangalore.
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The flower labeled Qaat is ...