Herb: Christmas Bush


Latin name: Bursaria spinosa


Family: Pittosporaceae



Medicinal use of Christmas Bush:

Skin. The leaves contain the coumarin "aesculin" - this is used in the treatment of lupus by irradiation and as a screen from ultra-violet light in suntan lotions.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
4.5 m
(15 feet)

Flowering:
August


Scent:
Scented
Shrub

Habitat of the herb:

Forests and open places, but avoiding arid areas, in loamy soils, stony hills and on riverbanks, probably at its best near the coast.

Other uses of Christmas Bush:

Leaves contain the coumarin "aesculin" which is used in the treatment of lupus by irradiation and as an ultraviolet radiation screen in suntan lotions. Plants can be grown as a hedge in mild climates. Wood - tough, hard, close grained, easily worked. Used for tool handles, cabinet making etc.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. It does not require pre-treatment. When large enough to handle, prick the plants out into individual pots. Grow on the young plants for at least the first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Consider giving the plants some protection from winter cold for at least their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. They require a little bottom heat if they are to root well.

Cultivation of Christmas Bush:

Forests and open places, but avoiding arid areas, in loamy soils, stony hills and on riverbanks, probably at its best near the coast.

Known hazards of Bursaria spinosa:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.