Perennial herb belonging to the mint family, with grey-green aromatic leaves used for flavouring in cookery. It grows up to 50 cm/20 in high and has bluish-lilac or pink flowers. (Salvia officinalis, family Labiatae.)
Black recalls the country's tragic past. White reflects the Georgians' hopes for the future. Dark red is the national colour and is said to represent happiness. Effective date: 14 November 1990.