Anise-scented Sage

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Anise-scented Sage
• Hummingbird Sage

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Salvia coerulea var. regnellii
• Salvia melanocalyx
• Salvia hoveyi
• Salvia coerulea
• Salvia ambigens

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Salvia guaranitica, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling into the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Ultimately, it is situated within the genus Salvia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions of South America. In Brazil, its presence is noted throughout the West-Central and South territories. Moving into the southern reaches of the continent, it can be found in the Northeast and Northwest regions of Argentina. Additionally, the species extends its range into Paraguay. Together, these locations define the natural habitat where Salvia guaranitica thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Salvia guaranitica is characterized by its presence in diverse environments, ranging from anthropized areas (Área Antrópica) to the complex ecosystems of the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (Floresta Ombrófila Mista). This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, occupying a wide elevational range that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum altitude of 1000 m AMSL. This capacity to inhabit both disturbed human-modified landscapes and natural forest settings indicates a degree of ecological plasticity across varying topographical gradients.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Floresta Ombrófila Mista

Life history

The life history of Salvia guaranitica is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. In terms of its structural growth and survival strategies, the species exhibits a complex life form profile that includes both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte classifications. As a phanerophyte, it possesses visible buds located on branches above the ground, while its nanophanerophyte traits indicate a growth habit where the woody or herbaceous parts are kept very close to the soil surface, facilitating resilience within its specific ecological niche.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Salvia guaranitica is characterized by its growth form as a woody herb that primarily functions as a self-supporting, non-climbing organism. It is classified as an independent species, lacking any parasitic behavior, and thrives in terrestrial environments rather than as an epiphyte or aquatic plant. The plant exhibits a life strategy that is strictly terrestrial, avoiding semiaquatic or aquatic habitats. In terms of structural scale, it maintains a relatively modest stature, with a maximum plant height reaching approximately 1 meter. Its physical structure is defined by its woody nature, distinguishing it from purely soft-tissued herbs, while remaining a self-supporting entity rather than a liana or vine.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Salvia guaranitica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cirsiliol.

Cirsiliol

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Activities

Salvia guaranitica has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hypnotic, Sedative.

Hypnotic

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Sedative

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Conditions

Salvia guaranitica has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include hypnotic, sedative.

Hypnotic

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Sedative

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology