[3] The leaves are simple, ovoid, slightly serrated, and 0.5–3.5 cm long.

The name Buchu is from the Khoikhoi word for the plant meaning "dusting powder".

The Hottentots used an infusion of the dried leaves as a diuretic and cure for urinary tract disorders and pulverised the fragrant rue-like leaves to powder their bodies and act as an insect deterrent.

The leaves are used to add to the aroma and taste of liqueurs, wines and brandies.

The leaves contain rutin, mucilage, volatile oils such as limonene and diosphenol (or barosma camphor) also menthone, quercetin, hesperidin, alpha-pinene, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamin B1, B2, B3 and vitamin C.[citation needed]