Cyclopia genistoides “Honeybush”

Grow your own Honeybush tea! This South African herbal tea is becoming increasingly popular & is similar in flavor to Rooibos. The plant itself is an interesting addition to the garden, with an upright shrubby habit & fine, rosemary-like leaves held densely around the stems. “Honeybush” is the common name because the yellow flowers smell sweetly of honey. Yum! It loves a well drained (or even sandy) soil in full sun & should be pruned  back hard every couple of years to keep a tidy appearance. Shrubs grow from 3-5' high & wide. It's said that this plant is a challenge to grow, but it's certainly a challenge I'm excited to take! Certainly we California gardeners will find it easier to cultivate than Camelia sinensis (the source for most black, green & white teas.) To make the tea, chop the flowering stems & leaves into small piece, soak & leave in a pile to ferment (oxidize) in the sun for 2-3 days. Afterwards, dry in the sun & store. Steep 1-2 tsp./cup in hot water for 5 minutes. This tea is purported to have many healthful benefits – Google it!

Claire Woods
Propagator