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longleaf buchu
Scientific Name: Agathosma serratifolia
Family: Rutaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Longleaf Buchu (Agathosma serratifolia)
Agathosma serratifolia, commonly known as Longleaf Buchu or Long Buchu, is a shrub native to South Africa and belongs to the citrus family Rutaceae.
Considerations for Pets
- Longleaf Buchu is known for its aromatic leaves, which contain oils that are extracted for commercial use.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Agathosma serratifolia (Curtis) Spreeth
- Family: Rutaceae (Citrus Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Barosma serratifolia (Curtis) Willd., Diosma serratifolia Curtis
Distribution and Habitat
- Longleaf Buchu is endemic to South Africa.
- It was traditionally harvested in the wild.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Agathosma serratifolia is described as an erect shrub.
- The flowers are star-like and can be white or mauve in color.
- Another species, Agathosma crenulata, also known as Long-leaf Buchu, is an aromatic woody shrub with larger, elongated leaves and can reach a height of up to 2 meters.
- Buchus are slow-growing plants.
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Buchu is a traditional medicinal plant.
- It has been used as a diuretic and urinary tract antiseptic.
Related Species
- The Agathosma genus includes approximately 135 species.
- Other notable species include Agathosma betulina (round leaf buchu) and Agathosma crenulata (oval-leaf buchu, also known as "anysboegoe").
- Other buchus include mountain buchu (Empleurum unicapsulare) and aniseed buchu (Agathosma cerefolium).
Conservation Status
- Buchu is reportedly on the brink of extinction in the wild.
- Agathosma crenulata is declining due to collection in the wild.
Resources and Further Information
- National Plant Germplasm System
- portal-jardin.com