228 



Journal op the Department of Agriculture. 



The oil derived from B. betulina leaves is a clear yellowish mobile 

 liquid, which deposits a mass of colourless needle crystals of 

 diosphenol or " Barosma camphor" in the cold. The oil from the' 

 twigs of B. betulina is inferior, no diosphenol crystallizing out on 

 freezing; and the oil from B. crenulata leaves is also deficient ^n 

 diosphenol. 



The volatile oil of buchu, taken internally, is eliminated by the 

 kidneys. It is said to produce no increase in the volume of the urine, 

 and is, therefore, of no value in dropsies. It has, however, a marked 

 effect upon the mucous membrane, and is, therefore, employed in the 

 treatment of various diseases of the genito-urinary tract. It is also 

 said to be an ingredient in certain patent medicines. Steeped in 

 brandy, the leaves are widely used in South Africa as a remedy for 

 many complaints; and the dried and powdered leaves were formerly 

 used by the Hottentots for rubbing on the skin. 



Buchu, when first introduced into England, about 1823, was 

 considered to be a mixture of Ba-rosma crenata, Barosma crenulata, 

 and Barosina serratifolia. The two first are now considered 

 synonymous. Thunberg mentions B. betulina and B. pulchella as 

 being used by the Hottentots. The natural order, Rutaceae, is rich 

 in plants with essential oils of varying odours and pungency, and no 

 doubt some at least under test would prove to be of practical value. 

 Many other species belonging to this order (genera Barosma, 

 Agathosma, Diosma, Adenandra, Coleonema, etc.) thaa those men- 

 tioned are in use locally where they are found wild, but at the present 

 time are not of any commercial value. As some aromatic and 

 medicinal species are not yet represented in the collection at Kirsten- 

 bosch, seeds would be greatly appreciated. 



The National Botanic Gardens will be pleased to identify 

 specimens of the varieties of buchu occurring wild : correspondents in 

 the Union can send specimens or seeds free by post or rail if addressed 

 O.H.M.S. to the Director. 



The National Botanic Gardens distributes sucti buchu seed as 

 may be available, preference being given to Members and Associates 

 of the Botanical Society of South Africa. Applications for seed should 

 be made to the Director, and for membership either to him or to the 

 Honorary Secretary of the Botanical Society, P.O. Box 70, Capetown. 



Plant Nurseries in Quarantine. 



The following nurseries were placed in quarantine during 

 January last and must be added to the list published in the January, 

 1921, Journal (page 88): — 



