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Garlic Buchu (Agathosma Apiculata)

Garlic Buchu (Agathosma Apiculata)

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Agathosma Apiculata (Common Name: Garlic Buchu)

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10cm pot

Before planting, prepare the garden bed by digging over the soil, adding compost and a slow-release fertilizer.Plant during autumn, winter and spring with a combination of Pelargonium, proteas, aloes, restios, watsonias, Leucadendron and other interesting companion plants. Water the garden area before planting. Plant out in groups of three or five, 20-30 cm apart, with enough space to encourage growth. Buchus respond to a fairly dense planting which helps to retain soil moisture. The rainy season allows buchus to establish themselves in the garden and to cope with drought and less water during summer. 

Full Sun
Semi Shade
Low Watering
Drought Tolerant

Agathosma apiculata is a densely leafy shrub, from 0.3-1.5 m high. The genus name Agathosma is derived from the Greek agathos, meaning pleasant and osme, meaning smell or scent. The oil glands on the leaves and fruit release a sweet to strong fragrance when crushed. Agathosma apiculata belongs to the Rutaceae, commonly known as the citrus family. 

Traditionally used for:

  • Urinary tract & kidney health
  • Digestive support
  • Respiratory relief
  • Pain & muscle relaxation
  • Skin-soothing properties 

How to use it?

  • Brew it as a tea for detox & digestion
  • Use in a steam inhalation for congestion
  • Infuse in oils for skincare & muscle relief

Conservation Status

Agathosma apiculata is widepread and not declining, and is assessed as Least Concern on the Red List of South African Plants. It is not protected by any South African legislation. 

Ecology

Insects, bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowering bush for its nectar and are responsible for pollination. The capsule splits through drying and the seeds are forcibly discharged. This is known as ballistic dispersal. Ants collect the seed, dispersed away from the mother plant.

Uses

Agathosma apiculata is an attractive evergreen shrub suitable for coastal gardens as well as for fynbos or water-wise gardens.

 

 

References

  • Brown, N. & Duncan, G. 2006. Grow fynbos plants. Kirstenbosch Gardening Series, Cape Town.
  • Gold, M. 1992. The buchus: cultivation and propagation. National Botanical Institute, Kirstenbosch.
  • Goldblatt, P. & Mannning, J. 2000. Cape plants. A conspectus of the Cape flora of South Africa. Strelitzia 9. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria & Missouri Botanical Garden, St Louis.
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