Occurrence record of and possible invasion by scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea Buc’hoz ex Etl.) in South Africa

Abstract

The scarlet sage, Salvia coccinea, was first detected in Northern Province, South Africa in 1905, in what is now Limpopo Province. However, its presence and suitability in South Africa remains undocumented. We conducted vegetation surveys to determine the actual distribution and to incorporate species distribution modelling in order to determine the potential distribution of this species. Twelve populations were documented from different localities. The species distribution model was successful in predicting areas that are climatically suitable for this species to survive in South Africa. The wide distribution and high density suggest a long residency time. Thus we conclude that its recent invasion of the wild has most probably originated in gardens.