Rooibos (Red-Bush) leaf, called the Tea of Africa, is from the fine, needle-like leaves of Aspalanthus linearis, which grows on the high mountain ranges of the South African Cape region. The leaves make a distinctive tasty, reddish brown aromatic tea that is often used as a coffee substitute. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and has less than half the tannins of regular tea so the flavor is mellow and rich without the sharp or bitter notes.