Salvia libanensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Salvia libanensis |
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Salvia libanensis is a very special plant that grows only in one specific part of the world: the high mountains of Colombia! It's a type of shrub, which means it's a woody plant smaller than a tree. This plant is known for its beautiful red flowers and can grow quite tall, reaching up to 3 meters (about 10 feet). Imagine a plant as tall as a basketball hoop! It's a unique part of Colombia's amazing natural world.
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What is Salvia libanensis?
Salvia libanensis is a perennial shrub. This means it lives for many years, unlike some plants that only live for one season. It grows to be a strong and impressive plant, often reaching 3 meters (about 10 feet) in height.
Leaves and Flowers
Its leaves are shaped like an oval, about 7 to 12 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) long and 3 to 8 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) wide. They feel a bit hairy on both sides, and the underside is a lighter color.
The flowers of Salvia libanensis are truly eye-catching. They grow in clusters at the very top of the plant, forming what is called a raceme. Each flower has a bright red part, known as the corolla, which can be about 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) long. These vibrant red flowers stand out beautifully against the green leaves.
Where Does It Live?
This plant is endemic to a very specific area. When a plant is endemic, it means it's found naturally in only one place in the world and nowhere else. For Salvia libanensis, that special home is the northwestern slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in Colombia.
Its Mountain Home
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a unique mountain range. Salvia libanensis grows at high elevations there, usually between 2,000 to 2,200 meters (about 6,500 to 7,200 feet) above sea level. This is like living on top of a very tall skyscraper! The cool, moist conditions at these heights are perfect for this plant to thrive. Because it only lives in this one special place, it's very important to protect its habitat.
Protecting Special Plants
Plants like Salvia libanensis are important because they add to the amazing variety of life on Earth, called biodiversity. When a plant is endemic to one small area, it can be more vulnerable to changes in its environment. Protecting its mountain home helps ensure that this beautiful and unique plant continues to grow for many years to come.
See also
In Spanish: Salvia libanensis para niños
