Christmas berry - Chironia baccifera Seeds - Sow Autumn - Indigenous

Family: Gentianaceae
Common names: Christmas berry (Eng.); aambeibossie, bitterbossie (Afr.)

The bitterbos is not only a highly ornamental plant, but also one that has many medicinal uses.

This is a fast-growing, rounded shrub with woody stems only at the base, which grows to an average height of 450 mm but can reach 1 m. The leaves are small, narrow and dark green. It has starry bright pink flowers, followed by red berries. It flowers from November to January.

The Christmas berry has been used to treat several ailments in traditional South African medicine. It was originally used by the Khoi and adopted by the early European settlers. One of the main uses is as a purgative. Infusions and tinctures are used to treat a range of ailments including haemorrhoids (piles), stomach ulcers, syphilis, leprosy, diabetes and kidney and bladder infections. It is also used as a bitter tonic and to expel a retained placenta after childbirth. Another use is as a blood purifier for skin conditions such as acne and boils.

Parts of the plant were fried in butter and applied to sores. The side effects that are known include slightly loose stools and sleepiness.

A combination of bitterbos and wildeselery (Peucedanum galbanum) is a well-known Cape remedy for arthritis. Another interesting fact is that Chironia baccifera contains gentiopicroside and chironiocide, which are bitter substances traditionally used in the liquor industry.