The first salvia plants exhibition in Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden – located in the Sheshan National Resort in East China's Shanghai – kicked off on Oct 20 and will run through to Oct 29.
Salvia plants are renowned for their elegant appearance and vibrantly colored flowers, making them a true natural spectacle. Some of them, the sages – or Shu Wei Cao in Chinese – are named for their long, slender flower spikes resembling a mouse's tail.
Violet salvia plants sway in the breeze in the Chenshan Botanical Garden. [Photo/eastday.com]
What sets salvia plants apart is not just their beauty, but also their wide applications in various fields – including medicines, the culinary arts, horticulture and cosmetics.
The first salvia plants exhibition in Chenshan Botanical Garden is divided into two key areas: the Salvia Garden and a shared exhibition hall.
The Salvia Garden, covering an area of 5,000 square meters, boasts an impressive collection of over 200 salvia species and varieties from around the world, with a focus on showcasing species from Europe, the Americas and Asia.
In China, the center of salvia distribution is primarily in the southwestern regions, including Yunnan province, Sichuan province and the Tibet autonomous region, where 82 species and 24 variations have been identified.
During the event, the shared exhibition hall in Chenshan Botanical Garden is set up to display information on the research and development of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, skincare products, essential oils, tea drinks and other products based on salvia as an ingredient. The goal is to bring these plants closer to the daily lives of residents.
In addition to the fascinating displays, the exhibition features various activities, including the 2023 Salvia Resources and Horticultural Applications Exchange and Salvia-themed horticultural lectures.
For those who are big fans, the advice is not to miss out on this opportunity to explore the enchanting world of salvia plants and their cultural significance in the community.
