Stories
New Endangered Plant Species in Peru Named After Lionel Messi
M
Moneycontrol•18-10-2026, 10:41
New Endangered Plant Species in Peru Named After Lionel Messi
- •Salvia messii is a newly described aromatic shrub native to the central and southern Peruvian Andes, growing up to 1.5 metres tall.
- •Researchers named the plant after Argentine footballer Lionel Messi because its flowers resemble the national team kit's white and light blue colours.
- •The species has been assessed as Endangered due to its restricted distribution across only six locations in Peru's Lima and Ica regions.
- •Threats to the plant's survival include recurring fires, road construction, and drought that can damage its fragile habitat.
- •The discovery highlights Peru's diverse mountain habitats and suggests that local shrublands may be an overlooked centre of plant endemism.
Key Questions Answered
Salvia messii is a newly described aromatic shrub native to the central and southern Peruvian Andes. Growing up to 1.5 metres tall, it has been recorded at six locations across Peru's Lima and Ica regions at elevations between 2,000 and 2,400 metres.
Researchers named the plant in honour of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi because its flowers feature a white tubular structure and a light blue upper portion that resemble Argentina's national football team kit colors.
Researchers assessed the species as Endangered due to its restricted distribution across only a few locations, making it highly vulnerable to habitat damage from recurring fires, road construction, and drought.
