Apple Sage

Salvia pomifera

Physical Characteristics

Salvia pomifera is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

S. Europe - Greece, Turkey and Crete.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment Tea The leaves have a strong odour and flavour, resembling lavender and common sage[183]. They are used as an adulterant of sage as a commercial food flavouring[183, 238]. An infusion of the herb is used to make a tea[183]. Very fragrant, it is called 'fascomiglia'[200]. Semi-transparent galls are formed on the plant as a result of gall wasps invading the young branches. These galls are made into a kind of conserve or sweetmeat by crystallizing them in sugar and this is regarded as a great delicacy by the Greeks[183, 200]. They have an agreeable and astringent flavour[4]. We are not sure if the galls are used before or after the insect has departed[K].

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany An infusion of the dried leaves is used medicinally in Greece[4]. The report does not give any details as to the uses, but does say that in excess the tea causes profuse perspiration, languor and even faintness[4]. The leaves are said to have the same properties as common sage (S. officinalis), but to be stronger in their action[238]. These properties are antihydrotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, galactofuge, stimulant, tonic and vasodilator[4, 9, 13, 21, 165, 238].

Known Hazards

None known