SafePlants

Buchu (Agathosma spp.)

Agathosma is a genus of approximately 140 species of flowering plants belonging to the Rutaceae family. These plants are native to southern Africa.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that leaves and smaller stalks are used. It's always good to be aware that ingestion of any plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset in some animals.
• The text mentions the presence of volatile oils.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that leaves and smaller stalks are used. It's always good to be aware that ingestion of any plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Agathosma Willd.
• Family: Rutaceae (also includes Cape chestnut, Calodendrum)
• Kingdom: Plant
• Synonyms/Alternative Scientific Names:
  • Barosma betulina (previously)
  • Barosma crenulata (previously)

Common Names

• Buchu
• Round Leaf Buchu (specifically for Agathosma betulina)
• Ovate Buchu (specifically for Agathosma crenulata, also known as Agathosma crenulata (Ovate Buchu))
• Short Buchu (Barosma betulina)
• Long Buchu (B. serratifolia)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the southern part of Africa, specifically the lower elevation mountains of western and southwestern South Africa.
• Endemic to South Africa, with A. betulina and A. crenulata being well-known varieties endemic to the region.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Evergreen shrubs, typically growing up to 2 meters tall.
• Agathosma betulina is described as a resprouting, broad-leaved, fragrant shrub.
• Leaves are typically small and, in the case of round leaf buchu, characteristically rounded and of a pale green color.
• Agathosma ovata forms a compact shrub.
• Flowers can range from bright mauve to purple (e.g., Agathosma glabrata).
• Heath-like foliage.

Traditional Uses

• The leaves of Buchu (Agathosma betulina) were traditionally chewed by the San and Khoi tribes of Southern Africa to relieve stomach ailments.
• Leaves and oil of Buchu have been used by indigenous people of the Cape area of South Africa for hundreds of years.
• Historically used as a carminative, diuretic.

Quirky Facts

• Buchu is considered perhaps the best-known aromatic herb from Southern Africa.
• Buchu is used in some ecostore fragrances.
• Buchu (Agathosma betulina) is a cultural heritage of the San and Khoi tribes of Southern Africa.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, has been recorded in South Africa as a disease affecting Agathosma betulina (buchu).

Further Information

• The South African National Biodiversity Institute (mentions observations using their database)
• PubMed science library (mentioned in reference to toxicity studies)
• International Plant Names Index (IPNI)
• Wikimedia Commons (for multimedia)
• ARKive (Thyme-leaved buchu facts and photos)
• ResearchGate (scientific review of Buchu)