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Blue sage

Scientific Name: Eranthemum pulchellum
Plant Family: Acanthaceae

One of the wonderful aspects of MEMBG is the mild coastal climate that allows the garden to grow many tropical species that would not survive the occasional frosts present further inland. An example of this is blue sage (Eranthemum pulchellum), a semi-woody shrub from the tropical foothills of the Himalayas, which can be seen along the outside of the garden fence between the Botany Building and Hershey Hall. The deep gentian blue color of the flowers, borne on long terminal spikes, is quite spectacular. Even when not in bloom, the lustrous evergreen leaves with prominent veins are attractive throughout the year. Despite its common name, blue sage is not a sage at all. It is a member of the acanth family or Acanthaceae.