In the coastal areas of the South African fynbos biome, we find Honeybush (cyclopia).

This critically endangered plant has been driven to the brink of extinction by over harvesting for its medicinal value.

The first mention of honeybush in botanical literature is 1705 and this elixir boasts that it is the cure for diabetes type 1 and 2, it regulates hormones, it infuses antioxidant,minerals and vitamins, all the while tasting great with a natural sweetness.
These precious plants were harvested and in some cases, still are harvested indiscriminately and unsustainably. Harvesters are paid by weight and thus they cut the plant to the ground to try to get the maximum weight for their effort.
Cyclopia Subtenata (Vleitee), a reseeder, does not resprout and this means death to the plant.
Cyclopia Intermedia (Bergtee) is a resprouter and wants to be cut back to resprout, but regrowth is slower than subtenata and it needs up to three years to mature to the point of seeding for propagation.The regular stripping of intermedia will ensure that it never seeds, ie. propagate. The life expectancy of these plants are around 5-8 years and if these simple rules are not adhered to, Honeybush numbers will continue to dwindle.
Teshuvah, a 100ha fynbos farm and part of the Tsitsikamma mountain reserve, where cyclopia grows wild on most of the slopes and watercourses, has not escaped unscathed from poachers.

I was first introduced to honeybush in 2009 and ever since my fascination with this golden herb has grown so much so, that the conservation of this species has become my passion. I continually plant seed in areas, normally high on mountainsides, where the plants can grow and re-seed undisturbed. After they seed, the rain and often fire is required for germination. This natural process is very slow.

“Wildhoneybush” is the vision to reestablish this almost decimated plant on the slopes of Teshuvah through interplanting, eradication of exotics and education about sustainable harvesting.