Common Name: Orange Ball Tree

General Information

Buddleja globosa is an evergreen shrub, though likely to become deciduous in cold winters. It grows up to 5 metres tall.
The plant is widely utilized for its medicinal applications within the plant's native range, being commonly harvested from the wild and also often grown in gardens[]. It is also commonly grown as an ornamental outside of its native range..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Chile, Peru.

Habitat

Found at elevations up to 2000 metres.

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Buddleja globosa is found from near sea level to 2,000 metres in central Chile where the climate is Mediterranean with rainfall falling mainly as snow at the higher elevations. Rainfall varies from around 450mm at low elevations to 900mm or more at higher elevations. The plant is able to withstand temperatures falling to about -15°c for short periods if it is sheltered from cold winds[, ]. It will often resprout freely from the base if cut back by cold weather[].
Requires a sunny position[, ]. Prefers a rich loamy well-drained soil[, ]. Very tolerant of alkaline soils[]. Grows well by the sea, tolerating maritime exposure[, ]. Succeeds on walls[].
Plants flower on the previous year's growth[]. The flowers scent the air for a considerable distance with their sweet honey-like fragrance[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Buddleja globosa is very commonly used in traditional Chilean medicine where it is particularly valued for its wound healing and digestive properties.

The plant is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, diuretic, haemostatic and vulnerary. It is taken internally for curing digestive ulcers[].
It is applied externally in the form of compresses, lotions and ointments to treat wounds[].

The plant contains several medicially active compounds including terpenes, flavonoids and saponins[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - cold stratify for 4 weeks at 4°c[] and surface sow the seed in late winter/early spring in a greenhouse[, ]. Germination usually takes place within 3 - 4 weeks at 21°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Seedlings are inclined to damp off and so should be watered with care and kept well-ventilated[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[, ]. Use short side-shoots[]. Very high percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm long, autumn in a frame[].