| Buddleja salviifolia | |
|---|---|
| B. salviifolia inflorescence | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Buddlejaceae |
| Genus: | Buddleja |
| Species: | B. salviifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Buddleja salviifolia (L.) Lam. |
|
Buddleja salviifolia, common name sage bush, is endemic to much of southern Africa, where it grows on rocky hillsides, along forest margins and watercourses. The species was described and named by Lamarck in 1792. [1]
Contents |
Buddleja salviifolia is a large, semi-evergreen shrub, multi-stemmed, with untidy, drooping branches, typically reaching a height of 4 - 8 m. The bark is grey-brown and stringy. The shoots are quadrangular in section, and covered with a dense reddish-brown indumentum. The distinctive leaves, with their rugose upper surfaces, bear a resemblance to those of sage, hence the specific epithet. The leaf has no petiole; it is heavily lobed at the base, narrowly tapering to the apex. The flowers range in colour from white, through cream and mauve to purple; the corollas relatively short, at just 4 mm. The inflorescences comprise terminal conical heads approximately 12 × 8 cm, with occasional auxiliary heads appearing in autumn. However, the most striking feature of the flowers is considered to be their scent, judged by some to the best of all the buddlejas, and even bearing comparison with Chanel perfume. [1]
The species is relatively common in cultivation. Moderately frost hardy and tolerant of dry soils, it is grown in the UK, however its large size and ungainly habit, in the worst buddleja 'bent hatstand' tradition, render it a choice for the larger garden only. Several specimens form part of the NCCPG national collection held by Longstock Park Nursery, near Stockbridge in Hampshire. [1]
Decoctions of the plant are believed to have various medicinal benefits in its native lands. The wood, hard and heavy, has traditionally been used for assegais and fishing rods. Otherwise, it is used as fuel, and for hedging. [1]
B. salviifolia is in commerce in the UK and the USA. Suppliers in the UK can be found in the RHS 'Plantfinder' [1].