NEWS
Sanbi appeals for red sage sightings
B
otanists at the SA
National Biodiversity
Institute (Sanbi) are
becoming concerned at the
spread of red sage (Salvia
coccinea) and have called
upon landowners to report
sitings and infestations of the
plant on their lands.
Red sage colonises open
woodlands, riparian vegeta-
tion, disturbed sites, waste
areas and roadsides and has
become established in six
provinces, including north-
western Gauteng.
Red sage belongs to the genus
Salvia (family Lamiaceae ),
which has over 960 species,
many of which are used as
garden ornamentals and
traditional medicines through-
out the world.
It is a long-lived, erect,
herbaceous plant and usually
grows to about 1,5 m tall. Red
sage reseeds easily and thrives
well in shady areas. It is
distinguishable by short and
long spreading hairs on its
stems. It has bright red flowers
which have a small upper
lobe and a much larger and
broader lower lobe.
Horticultural varieties can
have pink or white flowers.
Red sage ( Salvia coccinea )
6
www.sasmallholder.co.za
It is very attractive to birds,
bees and ants, which serve as
pollinators. It produces
pungent foliage which serves
as an insect repellent.
So what's the problem?
Smallholders need to be
aware that despite the beauty
and charm of the red flowers,
there are several records of
poisoning from red sage in
wild and domestic animals.
Continued on page 7