Canary Island sage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canary Island sage |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Salvia
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| Species: |
canariensis
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Salvia canariensis, often called the Canary Island sage, is a lovely shrub that grows naturally on the Canary Islands. This plant is known for its tall stems, pretty flowers, and soft, hairy leaves. It can grow quite big in just one year, reaching over 2 meters (about 7 feet) tall!
Contents
What is the Canary Island Sage?
The Canary Island sage is a type of perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years, often coming back year after year. It grows as an upright shrub, which is a woody plant smaller than a tree. It can grow up to 2.3 meters (about 7.5 feet) high and 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) wide in just one growing season.
Where Does This Plant Grow?
As its name suggests, the Canary Island sage is native to the Canary Islands. These islands are located off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. The plant thrives in the warm, sunny climate found there. It often grows in rocky areas or on hillsides.
What Does the Canary Island Sage Look Like?
This plant has several interesting features:
- Leaves: The leaves are a pale green color. They have a special shape called "hastate," which means they look a bit like an arrowhead with two pointed lobes at the base. Both the stems and the underside of the leaves are covered with long, soft white hairs. This fuzzy coating helps the plant deal with the sun and dry conditions.
- Flowers: The flowers are very pretty and can be different shades of purple. They might be a pale lavender or a deep, bright magenta-purple. These colorful flowers attract pollinators like bees and other insects.
Why is Salvia canariensis Important?
Like many plants, the Canary Island sage plays a role in its natural environment. It provides food and shelter for local insects and small animals. People also enjoy growing it in gardens, especially in places with similar climates, because it's beautiful and relatively easy to care for.
How Does it Get its Name?
The name Salvia canariensis comes from Latin. "Salvia" is the name for a large group of plants, often called "sage." "Canariensis" simply means "from the Canary Islands," telling us where this specific plant naturally grows.
Interesting Facts About Sage Plants
The Salvia genus is very large, with over 900 different species! Many of these plants are known for their strong scents and are used in cooking, like common sage. Others are grown for their beautiful flowers. The Canary Island sage is mostly known for its ornamental beauty.
See also
In Spanish: Salvia canariensis para niños
