Salvia taraxacifolia
Encyclopedia
Salvia taraxacifolia is a herbaceous perennial shrub that is native only to southwest Morocco
, growing in the Atlas Mountains
at elevations ranging from 2000 feet (609.6 m) to 8000 feet (2,438.4 m). Very adaptable, it grows on limestone slopes, forest clearings, and rocky riversides. It has no close allies in the genus Salvia. The specific epithet, taraxacifolia, is likely Persian in origin and means 'leaves shaped like a dandelion'.
Salvia taraxacifolia has lyre-shaped grey-green leaves that remain on the plant year round, with leaves growing up to 4 inches (10.2 cm) long in thick basal rosettes. The underside is covered with hairs, giving it a whitish color. Glands on the hairs give off a pleasant citrus aroma when brushed. Pinkish-green flowers grow on stalks reaching up to 8 inches (20.3 cm) tall, growing in whorls spaced about 1 inches (2.5 cm) apart on the inflorescence. Plants spread into large mats, with many flower stalks blooming at once.
Morocco
Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
, growing in the Atlas Mountains
Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains is a mountain range across a northern stretch of Africa extending about through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The highest peak is Toubkal, with an elevation of in southwestern Morocco. The Atlas ranges separate the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert...
at elevations ranging from 2000 feet (609.6 m) to 8000 feet (2,438.4 m). Very adaptable, it grows on limestone slopes, forest clearings, and rocky riversides. It has no close allies in the genus Salvia. The specific epithet, taraxacifolia, is likely Persian in origin and means 'leaves shaped like a dandelion'.
Salvia taraxacifolia has lyre-shaped grey-green leaves that remain on the plant year round, with leaves growing up to 4 inches (10.2 cm) long in thick basal rosettes. The underside is covered with hairs, giving it a whitish color. Glands on the hairs give off a pleasant citrus aroma when brushed. Pinkish-green flowers grow on stalks reaching up to 8 inches (20.3 cm) tall, growing in whorls spaced about 1 inches (2.5 cm) apart on the inflorescence. Plants spread into large mats, with many flower stalks blooming at once.