Oval Leaf Buchu – 5 Seeds

Oval Leaf Buchu is one of the true buchus, long used medicinally. It is an evergreen shrub with aromatic leaves. The shiny, oval green leaves are twice as long as they are broad. The leaves are opposite, have serrated edges and scattered oil glands on their undersides. The shrub grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5m. The flowers are 5-petalled, white or occasionally flushed pink. Flowers are followed by green fruit, which darken as they ripen.

Common names: buchu, long-leaf buchu (Eng.); boegoe, langblaar boegoe, regteboegoe, anysboegoe (Afr.); buchu (Khoi); ibuchu (Xhosa)

Oval Leaf Buchu Medicinal Benefits

• It has historically been used as a flavoring agent and an herbal remedy.
• The leaves have traditionally been steeped in brandy, vinegar, and tea water, and are said to relieve gastrointestinal and urinary tract ailments.
• Also used to wash and clean wounds.
• It helps to ease backache and rheumatism.

Growing  Oval Leaf Buchu

• Requires full sun, soil that is acidic, well drained and composted.
• Sow seeds in Autumn in a prepared medium of sand and compost in equal parts in a seed tray.
• Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water.
• Place seed trays in a covered area with good light and ventilation.
• Keep seed trays damp and germination will take place within 1 to 2 months.
• Seedlings are pricked out when 4 true leaves have developed. The growing tips of seedlings are pinched out to encourage bushy growth.
• Plant out in groups of 3 to 5 with enough space to grow.
• Add a layer of mulch to keep the soil and roots cool in summer, retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
• Plants require good watering in winter and moderate watering in summer. Do not allow plants to dry out. Once established they will survive long periods of drought and will withstand frost.