Broadleaf hopbush
Presentation
A pretty bush with many medicinal properties!
Broadleaf hopbush is an ornamental bush that is perfectly adapted to the climate here at our gorgeous four-star campsite Les Jardins de La Pascalinette®, in the Var area, French Riviera-Côte d’Azur. The Broadleaf hopbush doesn’t require much water but it does need a lot of sunshine. This shrub is widely used for hedges, as a decorative addition to rock gardens, or simply on its own planted in a pot.
It is a perennial plant and can grow up to 3 metres in height. It grows quickly and is endowed with many vertical branches.
You can spot it easily thanks to the little black seeds that grow inside its yellow or cream corollas, sometimes with a pinkish hue. Its elliptical leaves are an intense purple colour. It produces red fruit, which turn brown when ripe. It is actually the leaves of the bush that are decorative rather than its flowers.
Our campsite is committed to an eco-friendly policy, so we always aim to give priority to plants that require very little water. The Broadleaf hopbush is a perfect example and thrives on infrequent watering.
A natural pharmacy
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, the Broadleaf hopbush can be used, for example, to soothe colds, sore throats, arthritis, rheumatism and gout. Chewing the leaves also relieves toothache!
It treats low blood pressure, kidney stones, cholesterol, diarrhea, bloating, renal colic and sinusitis. Last but not least, it can be applied externally to treat joint pain and skin issues.
This amazing plant really does have a plethora of uses!
The Broadleaf hopbush originates from Arizona and Hawaii. You will also find it on Reunion island, which probably explains why it is not particularly rustic.
You’ll find this pretty shrub in Allée des Diablotins (nr. 15 on the botanical footpath plan) and Allée de l’Estagnol (nr. 16). Enjoy your walk!
Identity
Latin name : | Dodonaea viscosa |
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Family : | sapindaceae |
Genus : | Dodonaea |
Species : | viscosa |
Color : | Yellow-green coppery reddish |
Origin : | Arizona, Hawaii |
Foliage : | Evergreen |
Port : | Shrub |
Height : | 3 m |
Flowering : | Summer |
Did you know?
The Broadleaf hopbush is an antibacterial medicinal plant often used in Africa.