The use of Rooibos (or Red Bush) tea as a
beverage was first reported in 1772, and it was marketed and
then domesticated on a small scale in about 1900. Demand for
the product jumped during World War II because of the shortage
of Oriental tea. The tea has since gained recognition for its
caffeine-free properties, low tannin and antioxidant properties.
The plant occurs naturally only in the western districts of
the Cape Province, South Africa, and attempts to grow it elsewhere
in the country have not been successful.
Rooibos needs a Mediterranean-type climate, and is not found
below 450m above sea level or above 900m. It is sensitive to
frost and snow when young, but mature plants are adapted to
cold winters and hot summers. Good growth depends on deep, well-drained
sandy acid soil which is rich in phosphate and potash.
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