Baccharis genistelloides

The Baccharis genistelloides or Carqueja is a small bush with white flowers and aromatic, angular winged stems almost devoid of leaves, giving it a coral or algae-like appearance. It is undemanding and ideal for coastal areas.

A newly cultivated bush with compact , architectural vegetation, the Baccharis genistelloides reaches a height of 1m (3ft 4in) to 1.50m (4ft 11in) at maturity with a spread of 0.60 to 1m (2 to 3ft 4in). It has tiny, green, evergreen leaves, often mistaken for the winged expansions of the stem, called cladodes, resistant to sun and sea spray. The foliage is evergreen in mild climates but deciduous during heavy frost, emitting a slight smell of musty wine, just like the roots. Its summer flowering consists of small whitish heads, quite attractive to bees. The carqueja is not invasive.

Hardy down to -10 to -12°C (14 to 10.4°F), it prefers ordinary, well-drained soil and requires a sunny or semi-shaded exposure, but it dislikes soils which are heavy and wet in winter. It thrives in coastal areas.

You can use the Baccharis genistelloides in a dry border, as a standalone plant or in a hedge, alongside stipas, perovskias and gauras. It is excellent for forming a windbreak hedge by the seaside as it grows quickly, is very drought-resistant, and can withstand strong winds.

Belonging to the Asteraceae family, the Baccharis genus includes 350 species of bushes and perennials, all native to Central or South America. The etymology of the name Baccharis genistelloides refers to the name of the wine god Bacchus, due to the smell of grape must emitted by its leaves and roots, and to the broom "Genista" for its bare aspect.

The fragrant Bacchante is used in Amazonian pharmacopoeia to treat digestive disorders in the form of an infusion and to promote blood circulation.