Other Agathosma
Round-leaf and long-leaf buchus are distinct; confirm with a local botanical expert.
Use the botanical sourceStudy first
Round-leaf buchu.
Agathosma betulina
Also found as Bergboegoe · Round-leaved buchu · Barosma betulina
A Cape aromatic shrub included to explain botanical identity, traditional use and harvest pressure.
Sources checked 9 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Related buchus differ chemically. A traditional name does not identify a species or establish safety.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 39
- People who recorded it
- 26
- Most records (southern hemisphere)
- Apr, Sep–Nov
- Records span
- 2010–2025
| January | 0 |
|---|---|
| February | 0 |
| March | 1 |
| April | 4 |
| May | 1 |
| June | 3 |
| July | 3 |
| August | 4 |
| September | 11 |
| October | 5 |
| November | 6 |
| December | 1 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Small rounded to broadly oval leaves.
- 02
Oil glands and toothed leaf edges require close inspection.
- 03
Use a regional key and a verified flowering specimen.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Restricted South African range; the cited SANBI assessment records harvesting impacts.
Watch the plant stage
Observe an intact flowering shrub with a local specialist; no gathering window is offered.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Leaf
Study only. No essential oil, infusion or medicinal preparation is provided.
Care for the patch
Do not gather wild plants. Favor documented cultivated sources; repeated heavy cutting has caused local declines.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- SANBI Red List · Round-leaf buchuBotanical description, range and documented use
- SANBI · Buchu botanical monographDiagnostic botanical characters
Checked 9 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction