Botanical name

Chironia baccifera

Family

Gentianaceae

Common Name

Christmas Berry, Aambeibossie
Chironia baccifera
Chironia baccifera
Chironia baccifera
Chironia baccifera
Chironia baccifera
Chironia baccifera

Description

Tangled shrublet up to 50cm. Leaves narrow spreading; bears small pink star-shaped flowers with a tube 3-5mm long that is constricted above the ovary; fruits are fleshy, bright red berries.

An infusion of the aerial parts of this species was traditionally used to purify the blood for the internal treatment of piles or haemorrhoids; 'aambeie' -Afrikaans term for piles or haemorrhoids.

Habitat

Sandy flats and slopes and coastal sand dunes

Flower Date

November to February