Honeybush for Health and Profits!

Honeybush (Cyclopia species) is part of the fynbos that grows wild in South Africa’s Eastern and Western Cape Provinces. The plant grows naturally on wetter and cooler southern mountain slopes and grows well in conditions from sand to sandy loam with low pH, low phosphorous and low nematode counts. Cyclopia Intermedia (“bergtee”) is mostly harvested in the wild, while other species, such as Cyclopia Subternata (“vleitee”) and Cyclopia Genistoides, are cultivated commercially.

Honeybush tea is caffeine free and low in tannins, but rich in antioxidants. Due to its health-promoting properties, honeybush tea is becoming more popular around the world and there is currently not enough honeybush available to satisfy the growing demand. The honeybush industry thus needs more farmers to get involved in growing this unique indigenous crop.

The South African Honeybush Tea Association (SAHTA) is the representative body that coordinates activities within the industry. Come and enjoy a taste of honeybush at our exhibition stand at Bien Donné Agri Cape Week and find out more about honeybush farming, health research, and the opportunities in this industry.