This species has, in the past, been known as Salvia africana-caerulea. However, under the rules of botanical nomenclature this is not a valid format for the name of a species since africana and caerulea should be treated as two distinct adjectival words.

Common Name: Blue Sage

General Information

Salvia africana is a much-branched, aromatic, evergreen shrub growing up to 2 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens, and is also sometimes grown in the garden as a medicinal herb.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - S. Africa (Cape Provinces)

Habitat

Sandy slopes and flats[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Salvia africana is not a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate short periods when temperatures fall to around -1 to --5°, so long as the ground is well-drained[].
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil[].
Pruning helps keep the plant neat and vigorous - any pruning is best carried out shortly after flowering[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Many African salvias, including this species, have long been used by the people of Africa as medicines and to flavour food[]. Salvia africana is an excellent substitute for the ordinary cultivated sage, Salvia officinalis[].

A remedy made by mixing a decoction of the leaves with Epsom salts and lemon juice was used by the early settlers in South Africa to treat stomach troubles, including colic, diarrhoea, flatulence, heartburn, gripes and indigestion[]
The plant (part not specified) is used to treat coughs, colds and painful or excessive menstruation[].
A strong brew using one tablespoon of fresh leaves chopped into one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of lemon juice makes a soothing cough mixture for treating a persistent cough. The leaves, mixed with those of Ballota africana (kattekruie) were also used to treat fevers and measles[].
A tea made from the leaves is an excellent gargle for treating sore throats and night coughing. Even chewing a fresh leaf will ease a sore throat and help restore a lost voice. The tea can also be used externally as a mildly antiseptic wash[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow early to mid spring in a greenhouse[]. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. In areas where the plant is towards the limits of its hardiness, it is best to grow the plants on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year.
Cuttings from new growth near the base of the plant, taken in spring or early summer, root very easily[].