Buchu is a low shrub native to the Cape region of South Africa. The dried leaves are harvested during the flowering season. The oil can be obtained by steam distillation of the leaves.

Buchu is a heath-type shrub that grows to one meter in height. What makes buchu so unique is its roots, which grow tightly against rocks to collect moisture. The star-shaped flowers may be white, pink, or purple. The rounded, evergreen, aromatic leaves are the morphological feature that led the plant’s being dubbed “round-leaf bucchu” or “short bucchu.” These leaves have many pockets secreting the essential oil. These pockets form translucent dots on the limb when the leaves are viewed in the light.

This oil has great benefits in perfumery and aromatherapy. In perfumes Bucchu essential oil is often used in blackcurrant chords or to accompany mints to give them a fruity facet.