Agathosma crenulata

Agathosma crenulata scaled e1628836200102
Agathosma crenulata scaled e1628836200102

Common names: long-leaf buchu (English). 
Botanical name: Agathosma crenulata

Agathosma crenulata, also known as long-leaf buchu, is an evergreen shrub with aromatic leaves that is used medicinally. It is a charming garden shrub that grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 m and has starry white flowers that decorate the shrub for 6-8 weeks between June and November. The shiny, oval green leaves are twice as long as they are broad and have serrated edges and scattered oil glands on their undersides. Buchu is part of the cultural heritage of the Khoi and San people who used the dried and powdered leaves mixed with sheep fat to anoint bodies. Leaves were also chewed to relieve stomach complaints. Buchu leaves steeped in vinegar, boegoeasyn or brandy, boegoebrandewyn, were an essential part of the medicine chest of the early Cape colonist. They used it for a variety of ailments to treat stomach complaints, worms, indigestion, kidney and bladder ailments.

Uses & Benefits: aromatic, flavouring, tea

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Nature & Cultivation

Family: Rutaceae
Type: shrub
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Flower colour: pink, white
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Plant-animal interactions: bees
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Use as Medicine

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