Common Name: Boldu

General Information

Peumus boldus is a slow-growing evergreen tree that branches from low down on the bole and reaches a height of 6 - 8 metres[].
An important traditional medicine in its native range, where it is collected from the wild, the plant is also becoming more popular in Western herbalism. Boldu has a range of other local uses, including yielding tannins, dyestuff, an essential oil and seeds that are used as beads.
Peumus boldus has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

The leaves contain a toxic alkaloid[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - central and southern Chile.

Habitat

Dry sunny slopes in lightly wooded country[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Peumus boldus is a plant of the warm temperate regions of Chile. It is said to be able to tolerate occasional, short-lived, light frosts with temperatures fallling to around -4°c. One report says that the plant succeeds outdoors at Kew Gardens in London (hardyness zone 7), where it often flowers all year round[].
Dislikes soils that are too moist[]. Prefers a well-drained acid sandy soil in full sun[, , ].
All parts of the plant are sweetly aromatic[]. The leaves have a lemon-camphor aroma[].
Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if fruit and seed is required[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. Sweet and aromatic with an agreeable flavour[, ]. The fruit is up to 2cm in diameter[].

The leaves and bark are used as a condiment[].

Medicinal

Boldu is a traditional remedy used by the Araucanian Indians of Chile as a tonic. The plant stimulates liver activity and bile flow and is chiefly valued as a remedy for gallstones and liver or gallbladder pain[]. It is normally taken for only a few weeks at a time, either as an infusion or as a tincture[]. It is often combined with other herbs such as Berberis vulgaris or Chionanthus virginicus in the treatment of gallstones[].

The leaves are analgesic, antiseptic (urinary), bitter, cholagogue, diuretic, stimulant and tonic[, , , ]. They are considered a valuable cure for gonorrhoea in S. America[]. The plant is taken internally in the treatment of liver disease (though the bark is more effective here), gallstones, urinary tract infections, intestinal parasites and rheumatism[]. It has been used in the past as a substitute for quinine in the treatment of malaria[].
The leaves are harvested during the growing season and are dried for later use[].
Some caution is advised, the plant should not be used by pregnant women[]. See also the notes above on toxicity.

A volatile oil obtained from the plant destroys internal parasites[].

Alkaloids contained in the bark are a stimulant for the liver[].

Other Uses

The bark is a source of tannin and is also used as a dye[, , ].

A deliciously fragrant essential oil is obtained from the leaves[]. The dried and powdered leaves are scattered amongst clothes to sweeten them and repel insects[].

The small fruits are dried and used as beads in necklaces[]. When warmed by the body or the sun they release the scent of cinnamon[].

The wood is used for making charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - sow late spring in situ.