Cardinal Sage

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Cardinal Sage
• Mexican Red Sage

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Piaradena fulgens
• Salvia orizabensis
• Salvia incana
• Salvia schaffneri
• Salvia fulgens var. boucheana
• Salvia fulgens f. boucheana
• Salvia cardinalis
• Salvia boucheana

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Salvia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Salvia fulgens, exhibits a specific range across the diverse landscapes of Mexico. Its presence is notably documented within the central regions of Mexico, where it thrives in various local ecosystems. The species also extends its reach into the northeast part of the country, covering a significant territory. Furthermore, its natural habitat includes the coastal and inland areas of the Mexican Gulf. Finally, the distribution reaches into the southwest portion of Mexico, completing its regional pattern.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Salvia fulgens is characterized by a perennial growth strategy that allows it to persist through varying seasonal conditions. Based on its morphological adaptation to its environment, its life form can be classified under two distinct botanical frameworks: it functions as a phanerophyte, as its buds are borne on aerial shoots well above the ground level, and it is also categorized as a nanophanerophyte, reflecting its relatively compact, shrub-like stature. This growth habit enables the plant to maintain a robust woody or semi-woody structure that supports its vibrant flowering periods. Throughout its life cycle, the plant focuses energy on developing significant aerial biomass, which facilitates effective pollination and seed dispersal, ensuring its continued presence within its native ecological niche.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Salvia fulgens is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb, typically exhibiting a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine. It is an independent organism, functioning as a non-parasitic species that does not rely on a host for nutrients. In terms of its ecological habitat and positioning, the plant is strictly terrestrial, lacking any aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic tendencies. While it maintains a herbaceous habit, its structural development can exhibit woody characteristics in its lower stems or base, providing the necessary stability for its upright development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Salvia fulgens has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.

Antibacterial

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Antioxidant

1. Chemistry & biodiversity