Khat : Catha edulis
Khat use has become common in Europe/UK due to Somalis bringing their habits with them. In most large cities you can buy a buntch of Khat leaves for £5. Chewing khat predates the use of coffee and is used in a similar social context. Its fresh leaves and tops are chewed or, less frequently, dried and consumed as tea.
Khat(also called Qat and Ghat in Yemen, Chat in Ethiopia, Jaad in Somalia and Miraa in Kenya ) is used to achieve a state of euphoria and stimulation. Khat has been grown for its use as a stimulant for centuries. Mainly around the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its the reddish new growth that is most highly prized.
Khat is a slow growing shrub/small tree that grows to between 1.5 metres and 20 metres tall, depending on age, region and rainfall. Khat plants have evergreen leaves( 5–10 cm long and 1–4 cm width). The flowers are produced on short axillary cymes 4–8 cm long, each flower small, with five white petals. The fruit is an oblong three-valved capsule containing 1–3 seeds. Khat use is believed to have originated in Ethiopia.