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New Delhi. The Rooibos plant, native to the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa, is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. Rooibos tea, made from the leaves of this red shrub, is particularly popular because it contains no caffeine. Naturally, this plant is found only on approximately 60,000 hectares in South Africa. Cultivating it in other parts of the world is difficult because it requires specific soil types, low rainfall, and dry weather. These unique conditions distinguish it from other plants.

Rooibos means “red bush.” ​​This plant is so adapted to the climate and soil of South Africa’s Cederberg region that growing it on a large scale in other countries is considered challenging. For this reason, Rooibos is considered an endemic plant, meaning a plant that is naturally confined to a specific geographical area. Its rarity and uniqueness are making it a special commodity in the international market.

Rooibos tea is steadily gaining popularity. This beverage is now consumed in more than 50 countries. Its consumption increased by 12.5 percent between 2022 and 2024. In 2025, South African rooibos exports surpassed 10,000 tons for the first time. Japan has emerged as the largest buyer. In 2025, approximately 33 percent of South Africa’s total rooibos exports went to Japan. Demand is also growing in Europe and the United States.

A major reason for rooibos’s popularity is its caffeine-free content. It is becoming an alternative for those who wish to avoid caffeinated tea or coffee. Furthermore, rooibos contains natural compounds such as antioxidants and polyphenols. Preliminary scientific studies have shown these compounds to be beneficial for health. Some research has also linked it to heart health and the risk of certain diseases, but experts say more scientific studies are needed to confirm these potential health benefits.

Rooibos is no longer limited to tea. It is also used in various herbal drinks, skincare products, and other consumer goods. Its growing international market has made its cultivation and trade important in South Africa. However, a major challenge lies in the changing climate.

Rooibos cultivation is highly dependent on natural conditions such as rainfall and temperature. Over the past two decades, its production has ranged between 13,000 and 25,000 tons. In 2023, due to low rainfall, the crop saw a decline of approximately 17%. Experts believe that rising temperatures and steadily decreasing rainfall could impact rooibos cultivation in the future. Therefore, preserving its natural cultivation amid growing global demand could become a major challenge.

The story of rooibos isn’t just that of a popular herbal tea, but also that of a plant that’s dependent on the climate and soil of a limited region of the world. Its caffeine-free nature and distinctive flavor are driving demand, but climate change could impact its production. This is why, in the coming years, attention will be crucial to rooibos’s growing global popularity, as well as its cultivation and conservation.