1. An evergreen shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, whose leaves are chewed as a stimulant.
Usage: Also spelled 'qat' or 'cat'; The leaves contain alkaloids that produce mild euphoria and increased alertness
2. The leaves of the khat plant, dried or fresh, chewed for their stimulant effects.
Usage: Commonly used in social and cultural contexts in East Africa and the Middle East

Examples

• Khat has been used for centuries in traditional ceremonies across the Horn of Africa.
• The leaves of the khat plant are typically chewed fresh or dried.
• In Yemen and Somalia, khat chewing is a common social practice.
• The stimulant properties of khat are similar to those of caffeine.
• Khat cultivation is an important agricultural activity in several East African countries.
• The legal status of khat varies significantly by country and region.