# Botanists identify Salvia messii in Peru at elevations above 2,000 meters

- Published: 2026-11-06 18:20 UTC
- Section: Life & Health › Biology & biochemistry
- Tags: Salvia messii, Peruvian Andes botany, new plant species Peru, high altitude flora, Phytotaxa journal, endangered shrub
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-809bdf2023abaeebfd82a4f7_botanists_identify_salvia/

**A newly described shrub features light blue and white petals and produces essential oils, but faces extinction risks in high-altitude habitats.**

![Botanists identify Salvia messii in Peru at elevations above 2,000 meters](https://sgzwpqqelzmajkcubgkl.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/rt-media/2026/11/df5ebb33cb5c9f61.jpg)
*H. Zell, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0*

An international research team identified a new plant species in the Peruvian Andes, naming it *Salvia messii* in honor of footballer Lionel Messi, according to INVDES [1]. The botanical findings were published in the specialized scientific journal *Phytotaxa*. Field observations confirmed that the specimens grow wild in high-altitude mountain scrublands at elevations exceeding 2,000 meters above sea level [1].

## Morphological characteristics and biochemistry

The plant is a robust shrub that reaches a height close to a meter and a half, classified within the Lamiaceae family and the genus *Salvia* [1]. The specific name reflects the visual morphology of the flower, which displays a combination of light blue and white shades on its petals [1]. In accordance with international rules of botanical nomenclature, scientists applied the Latin suffix *-ii* to commemorate the Argentine national team captain [1].

Beyond its visual traits, *Salvia messii* contains volatile organic compounds and specialized metabolites [1]. Researchers documented the presence of essential oils across the stems and leaves, conferring distinctive aromatic properties [1]. Chemical analyses also confirmed the presence of flavonoids, which are secondary plant metabolites noted for antioxidant and antiseptic characteristics [1].

## Distribution and conservation status

The geographical range of the newly identified species is restricted exclusively to narrow microclimates within Peruvian mountain scrub ecosystems [1]. The plants inhabit isolated regions where environmental conditions sustain limited native populations [1].

Due to this narrow distribution and increasing anthropogenic and environmental pressures on the habitat, authors cataloged the species under an threatened extinction status [1]. Botanists noted that immediate conservation measures are required to prevent habitat loss and safeguard existing populations from disappearing [1].

## Sources

1. [INVDES](https://invdes.com.mx/medio-ambiente/descubren-una-nueva-especie-de-flor-celeste-y-blanca-y-la-bautizan-en-honor-a-lionel-messi)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-809bdf2023abaeebfd82a4f7_botanists_identify_salvia/