Agathosma betulina (Buchu, Round-leaf buchu)

Life > eukaryotes > Archaeoplastida > Chloroplastida > Charophyta > Streptophytina > Plantae (land plants) > Tracheophyta (vascular plants) > Euphyllophyta > Lignophyta (woody plants) > Spermatophyta (seed plants) > Angiospermae (flowering plants) > Eudicotyledons > Order: Sapindales > Family: Rutaceae > Genus: Agathosma

Native to the mountains of the Western Cape, South Africa. Leaves, leaf extracts and oil are used in herbal teas, iced teas and liqueurs. Buchu brandy is a traditional drink in South Africa. Buchu is also used medicinally for treating indigestion, kidney and urinary tract ailments, and in combination with vinegar it is used for externally for treating wounds and bruises.

Publications

• van Wyk, B.-E. 2005. Food Plants of the World - Identification, Culinary Uses and Nutritional Value. Briza, Pretoria.