About Salvia aurea L.
Salvia aurea L. has numerous woody stems that grow to more than 1 metre (3.3 feet) in both height and width, and it bears sparse grey-green leaves. Its flowers emerge bright yellow, then fade to a rusty color. The dark rusty calyx remains in place long after fruiting starts. The flowers are shaped like a parrot's beak, and grow in pairs at the ends of branches. This species is native to coastal sand dunes and hills along the coast of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa. Early European settlers used Salvia aurea to treat colds, tuberculosis, and chronic bronchitis. Traditional indigenous healers use the plant for respiratory ailments, influenza, gynaecological complaints, fever, headaches, and digestive disorders.
