n.
Any of about 700 species of herbaceous and woody plants that make up the genus Salvia , in the mint family.
Some members (e.g., sage ) are important as sources of flavouring. Easy to propagate, transplant, and grow in poor soil and drought conditions, salvias are a garden staple. Best-known is the 13-ft (3090-cm) annual scarlet sage ( S. splendens ) from Brazil, whose blazing spikes contrast with dark green, oval leaves from midsummer to frost. Blue sage ( S. farinacea ), of southwestern North America, is a favourite in dried winter bouquets.