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Agathosma serratifolia
Also called Filler Buchu, Long Buchu
Longleaf buchu is an erect, strongly aromatic shrub from the mountains of the south-western Cape in South Africa, grown for its leaves. It is a good choice for dry, Mediterranean-style gardens with well-drained soil and full sun.
Agathosma serratifolia, known as longleaf buchu or long buchu, is an erect, South African shrub, belonging to the citrus family Rutaceae. It is one of about 135 species mainly occurring in the south-western Cape Province. There, it is found on mountain slopes, wooded ravines, and valleys. The leaves are simple, ovoid, slightly serrated, and 0.5–3.5 cm long. In April and May, the plant produces 5-petalled flowers. 'Agathosma' = 'good smell', 'serratifolia' = 'serrate leaved'.
This species is strongly aromatic, and is gathered for medicinal use. The name Buchu is from the Khoikhoi word for the plant meaning "dusting powder". The Hottentots used an infusion of the dried leaves as a diuretic and cure for urinary tract disorders and pulverised the fragrant rue-like leaves to powder their bodies and act as an insect deterrent. In the 19th century the leaves were introduced into Europe.
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Agathosma serratifolia by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts and the care summary drawn from them are shared under the same licence.
The care summary was written by AI (Claude, Anthropic) from the sources on this page, with general growing knowledge where they are silent. Check before relying on it.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
