medicinal herbs
Christmas Bush
Bursaria spinosa
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:
EvergreenShrub
Height:
4.5 m(15 feet)
Flowering:
AugustScent:
ScentedShrub
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 knownPlant information taken from the Plants For A Future.