Limestone sage, Wild giant sage
Salvia disermas

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb or shrub. It grows 1.2 m high. It has a woody rootstock with one or more stems. The leaves are often crowded and larger near the base of the plant. The blade is broadly oval and 4-16 cm long by 2-7 cm wide. The leaves are rough and have distinct veins. The flowering stalks are on the ends of leafless stalks and have flowers in a ring.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid areas with a marked dry season. The dry season can be 6-11 months. It grows in rocky and sandy soils often over limestone material. It grows between 360-1,555 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places. In Brisbane Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves are used to make tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Salvia rugosa Aiton; Salvia rugosa Thunb. var. angustifolia Benth.; Salvia fleckii Guerke;