Boldo
Category: Tree
Very hardy, low-maintenance native medicinal tree. Its fragrant leaves are widely used in herbal teas and traditional medicine.
Characteristics
- Watering
- • Low • Very drought resistant • Avoid overwatering
- Soil
- • Well drained • Tolerates poor, dry soils • Prefers rocky ground
- Blooms
- August – October Inconspicuous blooms
- Exposure
- • Full sun
- Fruit
- Yes (small, edible fruit) • Occasionally eaten
- Size
- • Height: 4–8 m • Dense canopy
- Use
- • Medicinal • Herbal teas • Low-maintenance gardens
- Propagation
- • Seeds • Slow growth at first
- Medicinal
- Boldo is one of the best-known Chilean medicinal plants. Its leaves are traditionally used as a tea to support digestion and relieve mild liver discomfort. It should be used in moderation and avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in cases of gallbladder issues without professional guidance.