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WHAT IS SALVIA DIVINORUM

What is Salvia divinorum (Diviner’s Sage)

Salvia divinorum is a rare perennial sage native to the misty cloud forests of Oaxaca, Mexico. It holds deep ethnobotanical significance among the Mazatec people and remains one of the most distinctive species within the genus Salvia.

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Angiosperms → Eudicots → Asterids
  • Order: Lamiales
  • Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
  • Genus: Salvia
  • Species: Salvia divinorum Epling & Játiva (1962)

The name divinorum means “of the diviners,” reflecting its ceremonial use in Mazatec shamanic practices. Phylogenetic studies show it is most closely related to Salvia venulosa.

Morphological Description

This herbaceous perennial features hollow square stems, large green ovate leaves up to 30 cm long, and violet-tinged calyces surrounding white corollas when in bloom. It rarely produces viable seeds and is typically propagated through stem cuttings, a method that preserves its genetics across generations.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

Salvia divinorum is endemic to the Sierra Mazateca region of Oaxaca, Mexico, where it grows in tropical cloud forests between 300 m and 1,800 m elevation. It prefers shaded ravines and streambanks with high humidity, cool temperatures, and rich organic soils.

Due to its narrow range and vegetative propagation, it is considered rare in the wild and sensitive to habitat disturbance.

Ethnobotanical History & Use

The Mazatec people have used S. divinorum for centuries in divination and healing ceremonies. Known locally as ska María Pastora (“leaves of the Virgin Mary the Shepherdess”), its fresh leaves are traditionally chewed or made into infusions for ritual purposes.

In modern times, the plant became a focus of scientific research for its unique diterpenoid compound salvinorin A, which acts selectively on kappa-opioid receptors — a mechanism distinct from other known psychoactive plants.

Botanical & Conservation Notes

Because Salvia divinorum rarely sets viable seed, nearly all cultivated plants descend from cuttings — leading to low genetic diversity. Conservation of native populations depends on protecting its natural forest habitat and preventing overcollection.

Further Reading

Explore More

Learn about live Salvia divinorum plants or shop dried Salvia divinorum leaf. For additional cultivation information, visit our main Salvia hub.

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