Round-leaf buchu Agathosma betulina
Round-leaf buchu (Agathosma betulina) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rutaceae family, native to Cederberg mountains, Western Cape. It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan Round-leaf buchu in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Round-leaf buchu at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (tea, buchu brandy) |
| Native to | Cederberg mountains, Western Cape |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Round-leaf buchu toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Essential oils (pulegone) can irritate kidneys and liver in large amounts.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Round-leaf buchu
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
See Round-leaf buchu in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Kirstenbosch (24 plants)
Questions about Round-leaf buchu
- How far apart should I plant Round-leaf buchu?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft).
- Does Round-leaf buchu need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Round-leaf buchu need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Round-leaf buchu?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Round-leaf buchu flower?
- From about September for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Round-leaf buchu poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Essential oils (pulegone) can irritate kidneys and liver in large amounts.
- What grows well with Round-leaf buchu?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Round-leaf buchu. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: gardens and collections, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Notes and assumptions
- Fynbos: acid, low-phosphorus, sandy soil; no manure or phosphate fertiliser; needs good air movement and dislikes humid summers.
- Aromatic blackcurrant-scented leaves with oil glands; a traditional Khoikhoi medicine (Useful Plants Garden at Kirstenbosch).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia