Salvia columbariae

Species category

Flower, Weed

Common name

chia

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

NutletNutlet:
A small, dry, indehiscent carpel of a fruit, usually composed of one quarter of the fruit with each enclosing a single seed (e.g. mints).

Shape

OvalOval:
Broadly elliptic.

Size

  • Length 2–2.3 mm 
  • Width 1–1.3 mm 
  • Thickness 0.6–0.8 mm 

Color

Light brown with black mottling

Texture

Shiny with black stipplesStipples:
Numerous small dots or specks.

Other structures

DorsalDorsal:
Upper side or back of a seed or fruit.
side is rounded. VentralVentral:
Adaxial; of the side of an organ facing the axis (compare dorsal).
side has two flat surfaces separated by a ridge.

Identification notes

Small hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
at base.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Lamiaceae

Valid name

Salvia columbariae Benth.

 Salvia columbariae.  Nutlets with a small hilum at the base.
Salvia columbariae. Nutlets with a small hilum at the base.