- Agathosma crenulata
taxobox
name = "Agathosma crenulata"
regnum =Plantae
unranked_divisio =Angiosperms
unranked_classis =Eudicots
unranked_ordo =Rosids
ordo =Sapindales
familia =Rutaceae
genus = "Agathosma "
species = "A. crenulata"
binomial = "Agathosma crenulata"
binomial_authority = (L.) Pillans|"Agathosma crenulata" (previously "Barosma crenulata") is a
flowering plant in the familyRutaceae , native to the lower elevation mountains of southwesternSouth Africa , where it occurs near streams infynbos habitats. It is anevergreen shrub growing to 1.5-2.5 m tall. The leaves are opposite, oval, 15-35 mm long and 7-18 mm broad. Theflower s are white or pale pink, with five petals; thefruit is a five-parted capsule which splits open to release the seeds.It is known by the common name oval leaf buchu and has historically been used as a flavoring agent and an herbal remedy. The very similar plant "
Agathosma betulina " (previously "Barosma betulina") is known as the round leaf buchu, and has been used for the same purposes.The plant produces many sweet-smelling white flowers, which attract nectar-drinking insects. It then produces small green fruits. The leaves have traditionally been steeped in
brandy ,vinegar , and tea water, and are said to relieve gastrointestinal and urinary tract ailments.References
* [http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/agathoscren.htm PlantZAfrica: "Agathosma crenulata"]
*Van Wyk, Ben-Erik (2005). Food Plants of the World. Portland Oregon: Timber Press, Inc. ISBN 0-88192-743-0
*Lis-Balchin M., Hart S. and Simpson E. (2001). Buchu ("Agathosma betulina" and "A. crenulata", Rutaceae) essential oils: their pharmacological action on guinea-pig ileum and antimicrobial activity on microorganisms. "J Pharm Pharmacol." 53(4): 579-82.
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