Salvia aurea L.

Salvia africana-lutea (beach salvia, dune salvia, golden salvia, bruin- of sandsalie, geelblomsalie) is a shrubby evergreen perennial native to South Africa.

Description

It has numerous woody stems growing to more than 1 m (3.3 ft)in height and width, with sparse grey-green leaves. The flowers start out as a bright yellow, turning into a rusty color, with the dark rusty-colored calyx persisting long after fruiting begins.^[2] The flowers are shaped like a parrot's beak and occur in pairs at the ends of branches.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

This species is native to coastal sand dunes and hills on the coast of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape in South Africa.^[2]

Etymology

Early European botanists gave the plant the species name "lutea", meaning yellow, as they believed that there were no brown flowers.^[3]

Traditional use

S. africana-lutea was used by early European settlers to treat colds, tuberculosis, and chronic bronchitis. Traditional indigenous healers use it for respiratory ailments, influenza, gynaecological complaints, fever, headaches and digestive disorders.^[4]

Notes