Empleurum unicapsulare

Empleurum unicapsulare
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Empleurum
Species: E. unicapsulare
Binomial name
Empleurum unicapsulare
(L.f.) Skeels
Synonyms
  • Empleurum serrulatum Sol. ex Aiton.
  • Diosma unicapsularis L.f.

Empleurum unicapsulare or False Buchu, is a South African shrub belonging to the family Rutaceae and occurs from the south-western districts of the Cape Province to the Uitenhage area.

Buchu in commerce is generally accepted as the dried leaves of Agathosma betulina (Thunberg) Bartling et Wendland, or of Agathosma crenulata (Linne) Hooker, or of Agathosma serratifolia (Curtis) Willdenow. These dried leaves are often adulterated with leaves of False Buchu, which has a more acrid taste. Buchu is a flavourant used in brandy and tea, and is considered a herbal remedy for gastrointestinal complaints.

External links