A range of primarily mainstream essential oil crops are being cultivated at present. A medicinal plant, Pelargonium sidoides, has been added as it grows well in the area and is suitable for non-irrigated areas.

Cultivation methods are organic and production processes are strictly monitored to exclude the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

Crops include:

Rose geranium

The Rose geranium grows prolifically in the slightly heavier soils of the Eastern Cape, and responds well to the climate. The oil is an important raw material for the fragrance industry, and is used in perfumes, soaps and other domestic products. The species that is being cultivated is a hybrid between P. capitatum and P. radens, sometimes also referred to as P. cv. Rose, which produces the so-called Bourbon oil.

Lavender

Lavender prefers the slightly drier climate of the upper Tyume Valley. There is a well-established global market for lavender oil and dried lavender products. The cultivars that have been selected for trials are “Mailette”, “Herchum Blue” and “No. 9”. It is important to cultivate lavender organically in order to achieve adequate prices.

Roman & German chamomile

Chamomile prefers cooler areas and has done well on the higher altitude trial sites. Both Roman and German chamomile have been planted, although German chamomile is the more sought- after crop. Very little camomile is produced in South Africa and organically-grown chamomile is a highly profitable crop. 

Lemon balm (Melissa)

Lemon balm has done well on the sites lower down in the valley where there is a warm climate and considerable amounts of water. It does not tolerate frost, although it grows back vigorously in spring. There is a limited market for lemon balm, but the crop fetches high prices, especially if it is organically certified.

Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has grown well in the slightly heavier soils and colder climates of the area. Peppermint is used primarily in beverages, confectionaries and personal-hygiene products. The market for peppermint oil is steady and mature.

Rose oil (Rosa damascena)

Rosa damascena (the rambling rose or the damask rose) grows abundantly in the high rainfall and cold climate of the Hogsback area. The rose needs low temperatures in winter in order to ensure hardening or ripening of the shoots, which, in turn, stimulates flowering in October. The short flowering season means that there is only a single harvest each year.

Pelargonium sidoides

Pelargonium sidoides is endemic to the Amathole area. The plant has been used by traditional healers for centuries and the secondary metabolites of the plant have antibacterial properties with beneficial effects on upper respiratory-tract infections. Pelargonium sidoides has been heavily harvested without regard for its conservation, and the current rate of harvesting is far exceeding the rate of reproduction.

In addition there a small number of crops which we wild harvest on a sustainable basis in partnership with local communities.

Impepho (Helichrysum odoratissimum)

A perennial herb or shrub that grows on grassy and rocky slopes. Its aromatic leaves and stems are widely used in shamanic rituals for cleansing. It is also used medicinally by the people of the Eastern Cape to treat coughs, colds, fever and headaches.

Khakibos (Tagetes Minuata)

An upright annual herb reaching heights of 1 – 2 metres. Originally from Southern and Central America, it has since been introduced to Africa, Asia and Europe. It is grown mainly for its essential oils, which are used in a number or products including beverages, food products and perfumes. It is also used medicinally for the treatment in the common cold and respiratory tract inflammations.

Old wood (Leucosidea sericea)

This indigenous evergreen tree grows extremely quickly and to the heights of 4 – 7m. It can be found in the Afromontane parts of Southern Africa.

African wormwood ( Artemisia afra)

This common species found in South Africa has a wide distribution. It grows in thick bushy clumps between 0.5 – 2 metres high. It’s well known medicinal properties are used by people of all cultures for a wide range of ailments ranging from loss of appetite, headaches, earaches and treatment of malaria.

Wild dagga ( Leonotis ocymifolia)

This plant is also commonly known as lion’s ear due to its flower and the feel of its velvety lobes. It has a very large distribution area and can be found from South Africa all the way northward towards Kenya. It grows up to 2metres tall and likes rocky slopes in full sun. Its specific uses include treatment for eczema and other skin irritations.