Chia (Salvia hispanica, Sp. Pl.: 25 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 25 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Salvia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico to Ecuador

Description

Chia, scientifically known as Salvia hispanica, is a remarkable plant renowned for its nutrient-dense seeds. First documented in “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, chia has a rich history intertwined with indigenous cultures in regions spanning from Mexico to Ecuador.

Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, chia is a flowering plant that thrives in warm climates. Its cultivation dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Aztecs and Mayans, who prized chia seeds for their energy-boosting properties and versatility. These tiny seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition, boasting an impressive array of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

Chia plants produce clusters of small, purple or white flowers from which the seeds are harvested. The seeds have become immensely popular in modern health and wellness circles, often incorporated into smoothies, yogurts, and baked goods due to their ability to swell and form a gel-like consistency when soaked in liquid. This unique feature aids in hydration and provides a soothing effect on the digestive system.

From an ecological perspective, chia plants are relatively easy to grow and are known for their drought-resistant qualities. This resilience makes them an appealing crop in sustainable agricultural practices aimed at reducing water consumption.

In summary, chia is much more than a health fad; it is a plant with a rich historical and cultural legacy, celebrated for its robust nutritional profile and eco-friendly growing characteristics.

Common Names

Eng: chia
Por: chia
Spa: chia
Swe: mexikansk chia-salvia, mexikansk chiasalvia
Nld: chia
En: Chia, Spanish sage, Chia sage
Sq: Si kultivoet
Ar: قصعين إسباني
Ca: Chia
Zh: 奇佳子
Cs: Chia
Nl: Chia
Et: Õlisalvei
Fr: Chia
Gl: Chía
De: Chia
El: Σάλβια η ισπανική
Gu: ચીયા
He: מרווה היספאנית
Hu: Chía
Kn: ಚೀಯಾ
Ko: 치아
Ml: സാൽവിയ ഹിസ്പാനിക്ക
No: Chiafrø
Fa: تخم شربتی
Pl: Szałwia hiszpańska
Pt: Chia
Ru: Чиа
Sk: Šalvia španielska
Es: Chía, Chia, Oljna kadulja
Sv: Mexikansk chia-salvia, Mexikansk chiasalvia
Tl: Chia
Ta: Chia
Th: ชีอา
Tr: Chia

Synonyms

• Salvia hispanica var. intonsa (Fernald)
• Salvia tetragona (Moench)
• Salvia prysmatica (Cav.)
• Kiosmina hispanica ((L.) Raf.)
• Salvia schiedeana (Stapf)
• Salvia neohispanica (Briq.)
• Salvia hispanica var. chionocalyx (Fernald)

Distribution

• Colombia (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Dec 25, 2020 by Shanti Rai (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2021 by Matorral Bonaerense (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2022 by Viti Pietro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Lima Pereira Marcos Aurelio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Villaseñor Rios (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 5, 2022 by thamara martino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2021 by Sepúlveda Alejandro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2020 by Medina Orozco Nubia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2020 by Barbosa Eliane (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Heiko Espig (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by soares Francisco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2022 by Borreguero (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Jenn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Barbarea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Sushi Malayoto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2020 by Inma Benito (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 18, 2015 by EOL − pedro (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 4, 2013 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2013 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2020 by dr.piscines (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2021 by Karsten Hoffmeyer (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Viti Pietro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by Ashley Wilson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2015 by EOL − pedro (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 12, 2019 by Francisco Agudelo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2021 by Karsten Hoffmeyer (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926992)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:456385-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Salvia hispanica L.)

Specifications

Growth