Aspalathus

Aspalathus is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family (Fabaceae) native to southern Africa. The genus comprises a diverse group of mostly evergreen woody shrubs and a few herbaceous species, many of which are endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. Plants typically have slender stems and small leaves, and their flowers are papilionaceous (pea-like), usually arranged in dense inflorescences and displaying yellow to orange tones.

The best-known species is Aspalathus linearis, the source of rooibos tea. This plant is cultivated commercially in the Western Cape, where it grows in sandy, well-drained soils in fynbos landscapes. Leaves are harvested and processed through oxidation to produce red rooibos, a caffeine-free beverage. A variant known as green rooibos is produced from unoxidized material. Beyond Aspalathus linearis, the genus includes numerous other species that are valued for horticultural use or studied for their ecological relationships and phytochemistry.

Ecology and distribution: Aspalathus species are adapted to nutrient-poor, well-drained soils and often occur in heathland and scrub habitats within southern Africa. Many species have restricted ranges and are sensitive to habitat disturbance.

Conservation and research: Some Aspalathus species are threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. The genus continues to be of interest for taxonomy, phylogenetics, and ethnobotanical studies, particularly regarding the rooibos crop and related species.