Chia (from RimJournal: art and adobe brick, Mexico, the American Southwest, poetry, fiction and food)

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[Stem grows up through the center of each dark blue flower cluster into the next cluster: 14k]

Chia

(Salvia carnosa)

Common names: California chia, desert sage.
Annual. Mint family.
Blooms in the spring in Arizona. Similar species in southern Nevada, California, Texas and Mexico.
6-15 inches (15-40 cm) herbs up to 3 feet high (1 meter) shrubs. Single leaf with deep notches and rounded lobes, mostly basal. The flowers grow in clustered balls along the length of the square stem.

Grows in sandy washes and along roadsides. Dry seeds become gelatinous when wet which may facilitate germination. California Indians used to harvest large quantities. Powdered seed is used in drinks, gruel and for poultices in Mexico. The seeds are harvested in March-April. They are rich in protein, calcium and fiber considered good for diabetics.

Browse color tocs: white to cream | yellow to yellow-orange | pink to red-orange | blue to purple | green, etc.

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