Buddleja salviifolia
Buddleja salviifolia (L). Lam.
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Common names: sagewood, butterfly bush, mountain sage (Eng.); saliehout (Afr.); ewanci, ilotana, igqange (Xhosa); igwangi, iloshane, ilothane, ilotshane, mupambati (Zulu); chipambati, mupambati (Shona); lelothwane (Southern Sotho); umbataewepe (Swati), mupambati (Tswana)
SA Tree No: 637
Introduction
This small tree is deliciously scented in early spring.
Description
Description
Buddleja salviifolia is a semi-evergreen bushy shrub that grows up to 4m high under favorable conditions. Its leaves are dark green and conspicuously wrinkled and puckered above, densely covered with whitish or brown hairs below. Leaves can be broadly or narrowly long.
Masses of small, white to lilac blooms are borne in large panicles. The flowers are sweetly scented and vary in colour from dull to clear white to almost true purple. Flowering occurs in spring, from August to October.
Conservation Status
Status
Least Concern (LC).
Distribution and habitat
Distribution description
This shrub is widespread and common in from the Western Cape through the Eastern Cape to Free State, Lesotho, Kwazulu Natal, Swaziland, Northern Province, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe to tropical Africa. It grows naturally in forest margins, rocky hillsides and along stream banks on the escarpment.
Derivation of name and historical aspects
History
Buddleja was named in honor of the Rev. Adam Buddle, an English botanist of the 17th century. The species name 'salviifolia' refers to the leaves that resemble those of Salvia farinacea.
Seven species of Buddleja occur in southern Africa. They are B. auriculata, B. dysophylla, B. glomerata, B. loricata, B. pulchella, B. saligna and B. salviifolia.
Ecology
Ecology
Buddleja salviifolia flowers attracts many insects such as bees, butterflies and birds.
Uses
Use
In a garden design sagewood is useful as a framework or background plant. It is very decorative when in flower. If pruned often, it makes an excellent hedge.
Besides its use in horticulture, this plant has other economic uses. Its leaves are browsed by game. Fresh and dried leaves make an aromatic herbal tea. A decoction of roots provides a remedy for cough and for relief of colic while an infusion of the leaves is applied as an eye lotion.
Growing Buddleja salviifolia
Grow
Sagewood can be propagated easily from seeds and cuttings. The fastest way of propagation is through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings can be taken during the active phase of growth and must be treated with a root stimulating hormone powder. Cuttings should be planted in washed river sand and kept moist for three to four weeks. Rooted cuttings can be planted in nursery bags in a well-drained growth media. Young plants must be protected from frost for the first season whereas well established sagewood can withstand frost and drought. Sagewood grows easily in any soil, but adding compost will give better results.
References
- Van Wyk, B. & Van Wyk, P.1997. Field guide to the trees of Southern Africa. Struik, Cape town.
- Venter, F & Venter, J-A. 1996. Making the most of indigenous trees. Briza, Pretoria.
- Joffe, P. 1993. Gardener's guide to South African plants. Tafelberg, Cape Town.
Credits
T.T. Mutshinyalo
Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden
August 2001
Plant Attributes:
Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
SA Distribution: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape
Soil type: Sandy, Clay, Loam
Flowering season: Spring
PH: Neutral
Flower colour: White, Mauve/Lilac
Aspect: Full Sun
Gardening skill: Easy
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