Salvia thymoides Benth.

Species Baseline Identification

Salvia thymoides Benth. is an evergreen perennial shrub.

Native Range

It is native to a small region of Mexico on the border between the states of Oaxaca and Puebla, where it grows at elevations between 7,000 feet (2,100 m) and 9,000 feet (2,700 m).

Native Habitat

Its native habitat is cloud forest, where the mountains receive regular moisture from fog and rain.

Taxonomic Naming History

This species was formally named by botanist George Bentham in 1833.

Etymology of Specific Epithet

Its specific epithet, thymoides, refers to its small leaves that resemble the leaves of thyme.

Horticultural Use

Salvia thymoides has limited use in horticulture, and was introduced into cultivation in the 1980s.

Growth Habit and Size

It is an upright plant that grows to 1 foot (0.30 m) in both height and width.

Leaf Characteristics

Its evergreen grey-green leaves measure 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) long, and cover the plant profusely.

Flower Features

Its purple-blue flowers are 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long, and are held in a small dark purple calyx.

Inflorescence Structure

The flowers grow in whorls, arranged on a short inflorescence that is 2 inches (5.1 cm) long.