Yugoslavian cut leaf sage

Description

Salvia jurisicii, commonly known as Jurisic sage and Yugoslavian cut leaf sage or locally as Ovche Pole sage, is a hardy herbaceous perennial endemic to the steppe-like region in central North Macedonia. Together with other rare species, Salvia jurisicii is a key component of the “Macedonian steppe” ecotype. Mainly due to agricultural activity, this species is considered critically endangered in its native habitat. Salvia jurisicii is a small compact plant, about 30 cm (12 in) tall and wide, with pinnate leaves that have linear segments. The olive-green leaves are much-branched, with hairs on the back of the ribs and leaves giving the plant a frothy appearance. The small flowers are covered in hairs and grow in closely spaced whorls that are turned upside down. The flower colour ranges from white to violet. Salvia jurisicii was first described by Koshanin, in 1923, from the Ovche Pole basin in central North Macedonia. Various climatic, geological and anthropogenic factors have contributed to the development of a characteristic xerothermic, steppe-like vegetation in this region – a so-called “Macedonian steppe”. The typical floristic associations for this eco-type, including its unique endemic and halophytic elements, have been described by Matevski et al. With the hill Orlovo Brdo in the adjacent Negotino municipality in North Macedonia, Ovche Pole constitutes the total area of distribution for Salvia jurisicii – less than 300 km2 (120 sq mi). In fact, up to 70% of the populations are found between the municipalities Sveti Nikole and Shtip. In Ovche Pole, isolated populations of Salvia jurisicii have been registered in the vicinities of the villages Mustafino, Vrsakovo, Sudikj, and Delisinci. Salvia jurisicii also has ornamental value. Clebsch argues that the plant's horticultural properties make it especially adequate for the rock garden. It is compact, tidy, as well as resistant to drought and winter cold. Clebsch also indicates that, in addition to the wild-type with purple flowers, there also is a white-flowering variety called “Alba”. As a garden plant, Salvia jurisicii is not particularly demanding. It can be grown from seed or from cuttings, its needs being easily draining soil, weekly irrigation, and plenty of sunlight.