In the heart of Himalayas: Story of Kashmir Salvia

A mound-forming perennial native to the Himalayas from India, Pakistan to Bhutan. It's also known as Himalayan Sage or Kashmir Sage. The word "hians" in Salvia hians means "gaping" and refers to the hanging lip of this sage's flowers, which bloom from late spring through early fall.

Salvia (commonly known as sage), the largest genus of the family Lamiaceae, holds the representation of an enormous and cosmopolitan assemblage of nearly 1000 species, showing a remarkable range of variation. Central and South America contain 500 species of the genus, Central Asia/Mediterranean has 250 species, and Eastern Asia hosts 90 species.

Salvia moorcroftiana, a herbaceous perennial, originates from the Himalayan mountains from Pakistan to western Nepal, and it thrives particularly in the Kashmir Valley. This plant grows on disturbed areas and open slopes at elevations between 5,000 and 9,000 feet.

Why is Salvia called Kashmir Salvia?

The plant is commonly referred to as Kashmir Salvia due to its prevalence and medicinal use in the region. It is a white-woolly perennial herb, commonly found in the Kashmir valley. Pale blue, nearly white, flowers are borne in spikes arranged in separated whorls, forming a branched cluster. Flowers are about 2.5 cm long.

The Kashmir Salvia, a perennial herb draped in white wool, commonly graces the Kashmir valley with its presence. Its almost white and pale blue flowers arrange themselves in spikes to form a branched cluster. Each flower, measuring about 2.5 cm, possesses a tube noticeably longer than the sepal tube.

A unique 2-lipped structure characterizes the flowers, with the erect and curved upper lip and the lower lip that has three lobes with the lateral ones turned outwards. The sepal tube exhibits its bristly texture.

The leaves of the Kashmir Salvia are predominantly 15-25 cm long, ovate to elliptic in shape, and have long stalks. The plant’s stem, which is 1.5-3 ft tall, branches out at the top. This plant is native to the Himalayas, spanning from Pakistan to Western Nepal, and thrives at altitudes of 1500-2700 m. It typically flowers from May to June.

Climate change impact 

Climate change has been causing significant shifts in weather patterns across the globe, and the Kashmir region in India is no exception. The impact of these changes is evident in various aspects of life and the environment, including the growth and survival of local flora such as the Kashmir Salvia.

Over the past two decades, Kashmir has witnessed a rise in temperature of 1.45°C. This rise in temperatures is melting the glaciers of Kashmir, which might lead to a scarcity of water and a decrease in crop productivity in the coming years. These changes pose a threat to Kashmir Salvia, which relies on specific climatic conditions for growth.

Despite these challenges, the Kashmir Salvia continues to demonstrate resilience. This is partly due to its preference for full sun, loose soil, good drainage, and regular watering. However, as climate change progresses, these conditions could become increasingly difficult to maintain.

The survival of the Kashmir Salvia, like many other species, depends on our collective efforts to mitigate climate change. As the region grapples with the effects of climate change, including increased floods and sharp temperature variations, it is crucial to implement sustainable practices and strengthen environmental regulations.

Facts

• It grows between 5,000 and 9,000 feet elevation on disturbed areas and open slopes.
• The leaves of this plant are used medicinally in Kashmir.
• With large long-stemmed basal leaves with a toothed margin appearing to be covered with white wool, the plant grows to 2.5 feet tall.
• The 1 inch pale lilac flowers grow on many inflorescences that rise above the leaves.
• The plant also contains essential oil.
• In cultivation, it prefers full sun, loose soil, good drainage, and regular watering.
• Kashmir Salvia is a white-woolly perennial herb, commonly found in the Kashmir valley.
• In spikes arranged in separated whorls, pale blue, nearly white, flowers bear, forming a branched cluster.
• Flowers are about 2.5 cm long.
• Flower tube is distinctly longer than the sepal tube.
• Flowers are 2-lipped, with the upper lip erect, curved.
• They find Kashmir Salvia in the Himalayas, from India, and Pakistan to W. Nepal, at altitudes of 1500-2700 m.
• Flowering: May-June.

Keep Reading

Part 1: Cloudburst  in Ganderbal's Padabal village & unfulfilled promises