Salvia confertiflora, the Sabra spike sage,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to Brazil. This herbaceous perennial reaches 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) in height, and 10–50 cm (3.9–19.7 in) spread in one season, becoming shrubby at the base with age.[1]

Salvia confertiflora
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Salvia
Species:
S. confertiflora
Binomial name
Salvia confertiflora

The dark green leaves, with a yellow undertone, are about 7 in (18 cm) long by 3.5 in (8.9 cm) wide, with serrated edges, and with velvety red-brown hairs on the petiole and stem of the new leaves. The leaves bear a sage scent. The inflorescences are covered with velvety red-brown hairs, with the stems and the calyx also having a red-brown color. The 0.5 in (1.3 cm) flowers are orange-red, and very profuse, explaining the epithet confertiflora, or "crowded with flowers". The plant grows so large that it needs staking and protection from wind in gardens.[2]

The plant is cultivated as an ornamental in temperate and tropical horticulture. As it does not tolerate freezing temperatures, it requires protection in cold temperate zones, and a sheltered position in full sun.[1]

Notes

edit
  1. ^ a b c "Salvia confertiflora". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  2. ^ Clebsch, Betsy; Barner, Carol D. (2003). The New Book of Salvias. Timber Press. p. 86. ISBN 978-0-88192-560-9.