A genus of small shrubs native to South Africa, whose leaves are used to make a fragrant aromatic oil called buchu.
From Greek 'baros' (weight) + 'osme' (smell/odor), referring to the heavy or strong fragrance. The plant genus was named by botanists in the 18th century for its potent aroma.
Barosma leaves have been used in traditional African medicine for centuries, and the plant's name literally means 'heavy smell'—the essential oils are so concentrated that just touching the leaves releases an intense, peppery-minty fragrance.
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