Oval buchu, Oval-leaf buchu
Agathosma crenulata

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen shrub. It grows 1-2 m high. and spreads 1-2 m across. It is like a heath. The leaves are oval and have teeth. The leaves are 3.5 cm long. They have obvious oil glands. They have a small like blackcurrant. The flowers are white and have 5 petals. The anthers are purple.

There are about 135 Agathosma species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It needs a temperature above 5°C.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Mediterranean, North Africa, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Tunisia

How it is used for food

The leaves are used to flavour brandy and wine and other foods. Extracts are used to give a blackcurrant flavour.

Edible parts

Leaves - flavouring, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seed or by cuttings. Cuttings need to be in sand above 13-18°C.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Adenandra cordata Link; Adenandra serratifolia Link; Agathosma latifolia Loudon; Barosma crenata (L.) Sweet; Barosma crenulata (L.) Hook.; Barosma odorata Willd.; Barosma serratifolia (Curtis) Willd.; Bucco crenata Schult.; Diosma crenata L.; Diosma crenulata L.; Diosma latifolia Andrews; Diosma odorata (J. C. Wendl.) DC.;