Varronia Species, Black Sage, Shining Bush, Wild Sage

Cordia verbenacea is a small sub-shrub from open areas of southeast Brazil, specially from the sandy plains along the coast. It´s called...Read More locally "erva baleera", and I have no idea why (would be translated into "whaler herb"?).

Anyway, this plant never grows taller than 1 meter high, unless in special conditions. It has very rough textured leaves that are considered toxic, though are used as antiinflamatory. The inflorescence ressembles a scorpion´s tail, with a series of small, bell shaped, white flowers.

It grows naturally on white sand, under full sun, high temperatures, and moderately moisture. The leaf texture is quite interesting, though most people ignore it.