Rooibos is one step closer to joining the likes of Champagne, Darjeeling Tea and Columbian Coffee as a member of the exclusive geographically-protected product club.

Rules governing the use of the term “Rooibos” on new product trademark applications stipulate that applicants cannot call a product rooibos unless it contains 100% rooibos or it is the main ingredient.

This, from Fin24.

The rules, published in terms of the Merchandise Marks Act, detail how and when the terms Rooibos, Red Bush, Rooibostee, Rooibos Tea and Rooibosch may be used.

Martin Bergh, a director of the SA Rooibos Council said:

We’re not saying that this provides absolute protection for rooibos, but hope this is the start of a process which will ultimately enable us to apply for Geographical Indicator status, much like Champagne, Darjeeling Tea and Columbian Coffee

But Rooibos isn’t the only local plant attracting international interest. The health benefits of the local fynbos plant kingdom are piquing international interest. Michael Lutzeyer from the exclusive Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and Lodge, just two hours out of Cape Town, had this to say:

The Savlia Africana-Lutea, otherwise known as Brown Sage, has traditionally been brewed as a tea to cure coughs, colds, bronchitis and female ailments. Pour one cup of boiling water over a short sprig of leaves, let it stand for five minutes, then strain and sweeten with honey. This aromatic shrub grows naturally on sand dunes from Namaqualand to the Cape Peninsula and eastwards to Port Alfred.

[Source : Fin24]