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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.




BORONIA, BROWN
Rutaceae
aka Scented Boronia
(Boronia megastigma)
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Found growing commercially in Australia and in the wild in the Western regions of that country. A shrubby perennial to 2 feet in full sun, taller in shady locations. Leaves compound, pinnate with 3 to 5 linear leaflets (3/4-inch long), somewhat downy; highly fragrant flowers 1/2 inch in diameter, solitary, axilary, with brown-purple corolla outsdie and yellow inside. The essential oil (commercially known as 'Boronia Absolut') has the combined fragrance of cinnamon and tobacco.

PROPAGATION: By seed soaked in hot water for 4 days.
NEEDS: Moist, acid soil and protection from wind (greenhouse plant in the north); cut back after blooming.

USES

CULINARY:
Used commercially to mimic a black currant flavor and to enhance fruit flavors in beverages, ice cream, candy, and baked goods.

OTHER:
The Absolut is used in perfumes.





©2000 & 2004 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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