A large genus of annuals, herbaceous perennials and shrubs, widely distributed across parts of Central and South America, the Mediterranean and Asia. There are around 900 diverse species, with usually square stems which bear opposite pairs of leaves that may be hairy and/or aromatic. There are a number of varieties, cultivars and hybrids that are popular as garden plants, grown for their attractive tubular flowers as well as their scented foliage. Many salvias - some of which are known as sages - are used extensively as culinary herbs, ornamentals, and as medicinal plants. In addition to the culinary herb sage Salvia officinalis, this genus now also contains rosemary - Salvia rosmarinus, (formerly Rosmarinus Officinalis). Salvia flowers are usually attractive to pollinators.