Salvia aurea by the sea at Onrus

The strandsalie (beach salvia), or Salvia aurea, has grey-green hairy, aromatic leaves. They have been used in hot water as a medicine for chest complaints and more. These leaves also feature in home potpourri mixes and as a relish in cooking fish.

The plant fares well in frost free coastal gardens, right close to the sea as in picture. It may resprout from the rootstock after frost damage in inland gardens where the winter climate is not too challenging (Manning and Goldblatt, 1996; www.plantzafrica.com).