Numerical taxonomy study of Salvia sect. Salvia (Labiatae)

Multivariate analysis was carried out in order to elucidate the taxonomic relationships between Salvia officinalis L., the type species of the genus, and S. fruticosa Mill., both taxa included in section Salvia (Labiatae). Seventy-five different herbarium specimens from all over the Mediterranean Region, belonging to these two taxa, were analysed. Twenty-four specimens belonging to S. lavandulifolia Vahl. s.l. , were used as outgroups. Twenty-six morphological characters were measured and a data matrix was constructed prior to multivariate analysis by means of R software. Multiple correspondence analysis was used to obtain a single dendrogram, applying Ward's minimum variance algorithm. This tree was used as a basis to propose a key for the determination of the species and subspecies studied. S. lavandulifolia is separated in two groups, one belonging to S. officinalis and another one representing what was called S. blancoana . Salvia officinalis L. ssp. gallica (W. Lippert) Reales, D. Rivera & Obón and S. officinalis L. ssp. oxyodon (Webb & Heldr.) Reales, D. Rivera & Obón are discussed as new combinations. In addition, a hybrid between S. officinalis and S. fruticosa is identified and its importance in gardening and cultivation is discussed. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 145 , 353–371.