Willdenowia 38
Willdenowia – Annals of the Botanic Garden and
Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem
ISSN 0511-9618
© 2008 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem.
Foley, M. J. Y., Hedge, I. C. & Möller, M.: The enigmatic Salvia tingitana (Lamiaceae):
a case study in history, taxonomy and cytology.
Willdenowia 38: 41-59.
doi:10.3372/wi.38.38102
Abstract
Salvia tingitana has been in cultivation since at least the end of the seventeenth century,
but its provenance has for long been uncertain and its taxonomic interpretation confused.
With new evidence that has come to light, a more complete botanical and horticultural history
of the plant is presented. It covers a period of almost 400 years. Uncertainties, however,
still remain about its original introduction; today the only certain known wild locality is
in Saudi Arabia. A chronological history of its treatment and misinterpretations by various
authors over the centuries is given. Based on current knowledge, there is an up-dated
description and discussion of its affinities. An investigation into its cytology gave a
chromosome number of 2n = 42, very unusual in the genus, the significance of which is
discussed. Examination of the mucilage produced by nutlets on wetting was also revealing
per se and showed differences from mucilage produced by its putative allies.
Additional key words
Labiatae, European botanic gardens, pre-Linnaean botany, karyology, mucilage.
