Echium candicans
| Pride of Madeira | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
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| (unranked): | |
| Order: | (unplaced)
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| Family: | |
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| Species: | E. candicans
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| Binomial name | |
| Echium candicans | |
Echium candicans (syn. Echium fastuosum J.Jacq.[1]), commonly known as Pride of Madeira, is a large biennial or more commonly perennial members of the Echium genus.
It is endemic to the island of Madeira.
In the first year after germination the plant produces a broad rosette of leaves. In the second and subsequent years more or less woody flowering stalks are produces clothed in rough leaves. The flower head is large and covered with blue flowers having red stamens. The flowers are much visited by honey bees and the honey from such visits is prized for its flavour.[citation needed]
Cultivation
Echium candicans is cultivated in the horticulture trade and widely available throughout the world as an ornamental plant for traditional and drought tolerant water conserving gardens.
In New Zealand it is a common garden escape onto road-side verges and shingle banks in northern South Island (and probably elsewhere).
In the state of Victoria, Australia, it is considered to be a high weed risk and an alert has been posted by the Department of Primary Industries.[2]
Notes
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