Smokebush
Buddleja madagascariensis

Family: Scrophulariaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It can be climbing. It grows 4 m tall. The leaves are opposite and narrowly oval. They are 12 cm long on leaf stalks 20 cm long. The flowers are in long slender groups up to 25 cm long. They have a scent. They can be yellow, orange or pink.

It can be invasive in some locations. Also put in the family Buddlejaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and Mediterranean plant. In Madagascar it grows on mountain slopes between 600-2,000 m above sea level. It is damaged by frost. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Botswana, Britain, China, East Africa, Europe, France, Hawaii, Madagascar (country/location of origin), New Zealand, Pacific, Puerto Rico, St Helena, West Indies, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves and twigs are used for making a local rum.

Edible parts

Leaves - drink

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ramandravaka

Synonyms

Nicodemia madagascariensis (Lam.) Parker;