Selevin

Selevin is a genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae, commonly known as the mint family. The genus comprises a single species, Selevinia coleae, which is native to the arid regions of Central Asia, specifically found in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. This plant is a small, herbaceous perennial that typically grows in sandy or gravelly soils.

Selevinia coleae is characterized by its distinctive silvery-grey foliage, which is covered in fine hairs. The leaves are small and lanceolate, arranged in a whorled pattern along the stem. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are usually white or pale pink, borne in leaf axils. The flowering period generally occurs in late spring and early summer.

The plant is well-adapted to its harsh, dry environment, possessing adaptations to conserve water. Its silvery leaves help reflect sunlight, reducing heat absorption, and its deep root system allows it to access moisture from lower soil layers. Selevinia coleae is not widely cultivated and is primarily of botanical interest due to its unique adaptation to arid conditions. Its ecological role is important in stabilizing sandy soils and providing a food source for local fauna in its native habitat.