Chinese scientists complete genome sequencing of tropical sage plant

Chinese scientists have completed sequencing the tropical sage genome, which will help breeding and growing other coordinal plants, valuable for their aroma and appearance.

Tropical sage, as well as mint and lavender, is a labiate plant.

Xin Haibo, senior engineer with the Beijing Institute of Gardening Science and a member of the research team, said establishing the plant's genetic mechanism is valuable for breeding and editing the genomes of other coordinal plants.

Tropical sage is a tender herbaceous perennial widely used in public gardens all over the world. The Beijing institute has developed over 10 varieties of tropical sage.

Xin said through genetic technology, they can control the colours and timing of blossoming and extract essential sage oil and other aromatic and medicinal components from coordinal plants, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.