Cape Town, South Africa - Republic of South Africa
FOR RELEASE WITH STORY FOOD-SAFRICA-HERBAL.
FOR RELEASE WITH STORY FOOD-SAFRICA-HERBAL - A tea lover displays a handful of rooibos, the country's unique herbal beverage, August 8, 2003. Health-conscious herbal "tea" lovers are lapping up the caffeine-free leaf, both in its pure form and as a blend in other infusions. Although exports are growing steadily, a trademark row and drought that could drastically increase prices hang over the crop this year, and could affect the plant's worldwide popularity.The serene hills of the Cederberg north of Cape Town, home to the thin, delicate plants, rich in anti-oxidants, are facing the worst drought in recent years. CPROD REUTERS/Mike Hutchings MH