What is "rooibos"

1911, from Afrikaans rooibos, literally "red bush," from rooi "red," from Dutch roi (see red (adj.1)) + bos "bush" (see bush (n.1)).

n. 1 (context South Africa English) A bush ((taxlink Aspalathus linearis species noshow=1)) from which rooibos tea is made. 2 the herbal tea itself

n. South African shrub having flat acuminate leaves and yellow flowers; leaves are aromatic when dried and used to make an herbal tea [syn: Aspalathus linearis, Aspalathus cedcarbergensis]

Rooibos (Anglicized pronunciation: ; , meaning "red bush"; scientific name Aspalathus linearis) is a broom-like member of the Fabaceae family of plants growing in South Africa's fynbos.

The generic name comes from the plant Calicotome villosa, aspalathos in Greek. This plant has very similar growth and flowers to the rooibos plant. The specific name linearis comes from the plant's linear growing structure and needle-like leaves.

The leaves are used to make a herbal tea called rooibos or bush tea (especially in Southern Africa) or sometimes redbush tea (especially in Great Britain). The product has been popular in Southern Africa for generations and is now consumed in many countries. It is sometimes spelled rooibosch in accordance with the old Dutch etymology.