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Echium candicans
Echium candicans
Echium candicans
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Pride of Madeira
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Boraginales
Family: Boraginaceae
Genus: Echium
Species:
E. candicans
Binomial name
Echium candicans
L.f., 1782
Synonyms[2]
  • Argyrexias candicans Raf. (1838)
  • Echium brachyanthum Hornem. (1813)
  • Echium candicans var. noronhae Menezes (1914)
  • Echium cynoglossoides Desf. (1815)
  • Echium densiflorum DC. (1813)
  • Echium macrophyllum Lehm. (1818)
  • Echium maderense Steud. (1840)
  • Echium marianum Boiss. (1849)
  • Echium pallidum Salisb. (1796)
  • Echium pavonianum Boiss. (1849)
  • Echium truncatum R.H.Pearson (1912)

Echium candicans, the Pride of Madeira, is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae, and genus Echium, native to the island of Madeira. It is a large herbaceous perennial subshrub, growing to 1.5–2.5 m (4 ft 11 in – 8 ft 2 in).[3]

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 produced clothed in rough leaves. The Latin specific epithet candicans means "shining white", referring to one colour form of this species.[4]

Description

[edit]
Growing as a shrub

It grows as a 1 to 2 meter high shrub, usually with a candelabra-like growth habit. The inflorescences are not on the terminal shoot, but terminally on side shoots. The bark is whitish and peels off the shoots like paper. The short-stalked leaves are lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate and long pointed at the end, they reach a maximum length of about 25 centimeters and a width of 2 to 4 centimeters.[5][6]

The lower leaves are more than five times as long as the upper ones. The adaxial side of the leaf blade (facing the shoot) is dark green, the axial side is slightly lighter green in color with prominent veins, all parts are protruding dense and soft, relatively long, velvety hairy.[5][6]

Flower detail

Many flowers and bracts are in a dense, narrow, elongated inflorescence, which reach 10 to 25, maximum 47 centimeters in length. The hermaphrodite, sessile flowers are fivefold with a double perianth and are weakly zygomorphic, unlike the flowers of most other genera in the Boraginaceae. They are colored blue or purple, and would appear from spring to summer.[5][6]

The calyx is 4 to 5 millimeters long, green in color without darker veins and hairy, with lanceolate, pointed calyx lobes. The corolla is blue to violet, often with a white stripe on each apex, the flower tube is 9 to 11 millimeters long, the apex is rounded or truncated at the end. The stamens are pink, the anthers whitish. The flower head is large and covered with white or blue flowers having red stamens. The flower head is much visited by bees and butterflies for its nectar.[7][6]

Taxonomy

[edit]

Echium candicans was given its scientific name by Carl Linnaeus the Younger in 1782.[2] In 1792 Jean-Baptiste Lamarck published a nomen illegitimum name for the species Echium giganteum by giving it the same name as already given to E. candicans by Linnaeus.[8] Since its first scientific description ten other species names and one variety have been published that are listed as synonyms by Plants of the World Online.[2]

Distribution

[edit]
Echium candicans in Curral das Freiras, Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal

The species is autochthonous only to Madeira and is absent from the other islands in the archipelago. It grows relatively frequently there at an altitude of about 800 to 1200 meters in the central part of the island, at the upper end of the altitude range of the laurel forest and in open, heather-like vegetation.[6]

Cultivation

[edit]

E. 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. It is particularly suitable for coastal planting. With a temperature requirement of no less than 5–7 °C (41–45 °F), it needs some winter protection in frost-prone areas. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[9][10]

In California, it is considered an invasive species. It is removed from native plant communities as part of habitat restoration efforts in coastal parks such as the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.[11] In New Zealand, it is a common garden escapee onto roadside verges and shingle banks throughout the drier parts of both the North and the South Islands.[citation needed] 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.[12]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Echium candicans

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Echium candicans, commonly known as pride of , is a species of in the family native to the island of . It is an , mounding that typically grows 5-6 feet tall and spreads 6-10 feet wide, forming basal rosettes of hairy, gray-green leaves up to 10 inches long in its first year, followed by robust, spire-like flowering stalks up to 20 inches tall bearing clusters of bluish-purple to white flowers from May to August in the second year. In its native habitat on the rocky cliffs and terraces of Madeira at elevations of 2,500-4,600 feet, E. candicans thrives in dry, well-drained conditions and is considered rare, with a conservation status of Data Deficient (IUCN), facing potential threats including wildfires, habitat loss, and climate change (as of 2025). Introduced as an ornamental plant worldwide, it has naturalized in coastal regions of California, where it inhabits open bluffs and hillsides, rated as limited invasiveness by Cal-IPC though considered invasive in some southern regions. The plant is valued in gardens for its striking floral displays, drought tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, while also providing deer resistance and winter interest through its foliage. It prefers full sun, low to medium water, and well-drained soils in USDA zones 9-11, where it can be cold hardy to about 20-25°F, though it is short-lived (typically 4-10 years) and self-seeds readily. Caution is advised in cultivation due to the irritating hairs on its leaves and stems, which may cause skin irritation, and its potential to become weedy in suitable climates.

Taxonomy and Etymology

Taxonomy

Echium candicans belongs to the kingdom Plantae, clade Tracheophytes, angiosperms, , , order , family , genus , and species E. candicans. The species was first described by (L.f.) in 1782, in the work Supplementum Plantarum, where it was formally named based on specimens from the island of . Several synonyms have been recognized for Echium candicans, including Echium fastuosum J.Jacq., Echium brachyanthum Hornem., Echium cynoglossoides Desf., and Echium densiflorum DC. Echium candicans is placed within the genus Echium, which includes approximately 70 species predominantly native to the Mediterranean Basin and the Macaronesian islands.

Etymology

The genus name derives from the Ancient Greek word echis, meaning "viper," a reference to the shape of the plant's nutlets (seeds), which resemble a viper's head. This etymology also reflects historical beliefs in the genus's medicinal properties, as the first-century Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed species of as an for viper bites. The specific epithet candicans originates from the Latin verb candicare, meaning "to shine" or "to be white," alluding to the plant's silvery-white, velvety indumentum of hairs covering its leaves and stems. This descriptive term emphasizes the lustrous appearance that distinguishes E. candicans within the genus. The common name "Pride of Madeira" highlights the plant's native origin on the island of Madeira and its spectacular display of vibrant blue flower spikes, which evoke regional pride in this endemic species. In some contexts, Echium candicans is also referred to as "tower of jewels," a name inspired by the towering, jewel-like clusters of flowers, though this moniker is more commonly associated with related tall-stemmed Echium species.

Description

Morphology

Echium candicans is an or short-lived with a biennial tendency, typically reaching 1.5–2.5 m in height and up to 3 m in width. In its first year, the plant forms a basal rosette of leaves, followed by the development of woody, unbranched flowering stems in the second year that rise spire-like to about 50 cm tall. The stems feature peeling whitish bark, providing a distinctive textural appearance. Leaves are lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, measuring 10–25 cm long and 2–4 cm wide, with a gray-green coloration and densely covered in white, velvety hairs that give a tomentose texture. These leaves are prominently veined and arranged in whorls or rosettes, contributing to the plant's bushy, mounding form. The consists of dense, terminal spikes or panicles that are cone-shaped, reaching 25–65 cm in length, with flowers clustered along the stalks. Flowers are tubular, approximately 1–1.5 cm long, featuring a to purple corolla adorned with white hairs and protruding reddish stamens; they bloom from May to . The fruits develop as small nutlets typical of the family.

Reproduction

Echium candicans exhibits a biennial or short-lived life cycle, typically forming a basal rosette of leaves in the first year before bolting to produce flowers in the second year, after which the parent plant often dies, rendering it monocarpic in many cases. In favorable mild climates, individuals may persist up to three years before flowering and senescing. The species is largely self-incompatible, necessitating cross-pollination for viable seed production, though it commonly self-seeds prolifically where conditions allow. Flowering occurs primarily from spring to summer, with thyrsoid s that elongate progressively as development proceeds. Flowers open basipetally, starting from the base and progressing upward, and the blooms produce copious to attract pollinators. Each can bear thousands of individual blue to purple flowers, contributing to the plant's extended blooming period from to depending on and location. Seed production follows , with each flower yielding four nutlets that remain enclosed within the persistent calyx until maturity. These nutlets measure approximately 2–3 mm in length, are pyramidal to wedge-shaped with tuberculate surfaces, and are primarily dispersed by or , though and animals may also aid in spread. For , seeds require exposure to and are typically sown on the surface of well-draining at temperatures of 18–20°C, with emergence occurring in 3–6 weeks. Vegetative reproduction is rare in E. candicans, occurring mainly through occasional basal shoots in mild, frost-free climates where plants may resprout after flowering rather than fully senescing. This allows limited persistence beyond the typical monocarpic habit observed in harsher environments.

Habitat and Distribution

Native Range

Echium candicans is endemic to the Madeira Archipelago in Portugal, occurring exclusively on the island of Madeira in the central mountain massif. It is restricted to elevations between approximately 760 and 1,400 meters (2,500–4,600 feet) above sea level, where it inhabits steep, rocky terrains. The species thrives in diverse natural habitats, including the laurel forests known as laurisilva, which are subtropical evergreen woodlands dominated by trees such as Laurus novocanariensis, as well as open rocky slopes and heather-dominated shrublands referred to as macaia, often in association with . These environments feature well-drained, acidic soils derived from volcanic origins, supporting the plant's adaptation to nutrient-poor, rocky substrates. The climate in these highland areas is Mediterranean-like with subtropical influences, characterized by mild winters with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15°C and dry summers, though the laurisilva zone receives significant moisture from orographic and . Annual rainfall varies from 1,000 to 2,000 mm, concentrated in the wetter winter months, fostering the humid conditions essential for the ecosystem. Populations of E. candicans are scattered across this limited range, reflecting its specialized habitat preferences within the island's rugged interior. The species is assessed as by the IUCN (as of 2011).

Introduced Ranges and Invasiveness

Echium candicans was widely introduced as an in Mediterranean climates during the and has since escaped cultivation to become naturalized in several regions outside its native range. In , it has established populations along the central and south coast, as well as in the . The species has also naturalized in , particularly in coastal areas; in Victoria, , where it is recognized as an environmental weed with moderate to high invasive risk; along South Africa's Garden Route as a potential invader; and in parts of , including naturalized populations in and , as well as casual occurrences in . The plant primarily spreads through prolific seed production, escaping from gardens into nearby wildlands, though its overall rate of spread is slow, with populations increasing less rapidly than many other invasives. It is rated as having limited invasive potential by the California Invasive Plant Council, reflecting its tendency to establish in disturbed coastal sites but spread gradually into native communities. In , it is considered invasive on coastal cliffs and dry slopes, while in Victoria, , assessments indicate moderate invasiveness with extensive potential for further spread due to its presence in gardens. In introduced ranges, E. candicans forms dense stands that compete with and shade out native vegetation in coastal scrub, bluff, and habitats, leading to local and . In , it overpowers species such as lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia) and contributes to the displacement of coastal natives like and by dominating open bluffs and hillsides. Similar competitive effects occur in , where it outcompetes indigenous plants, and in , where it invades disturbed sites along coastal routes. These impacts are generally minor at a statewide scale but can be significant locally, reducing habitat for native wildlife. Management of E. candicans as an invasive focuses on prevention and early intervention, with control methods including manual removal of seedlings and mature plants, as well as targeted applications to prevent resprouting from the woody base. The tolerates cutting, , and burning, often regenerating vigorously, so integrated approaches combining mechanical and chemical controls are recommended in sensitive coastal areas. In regions like , its planting is banned on public lands and in new developments to curb further spread.

Ecology and Conservation

Ecological Interactions

Echium candicans is primarily pollinated by a diverse array of and the endemic Teira dugesii in its native habitat, with bees from the order dominating visitation rates. Large bees such as Bombus ruderatus, Apis mellifera, and quadrifasciata account for approximately 55% of flower visits, exhibiting high foraging efficiency by visiting up to 237 flowers per minute and transporting substantial amounts of homospecific (over 66% in some cases). , particularly species like Hipparchia maderensis, contribute about 20% of visits but promote through lower rates compared to bees. In introduced ranges, such as , the plant also attracts hummingbirds alongside bees and , enhancing its role as a generalist resource. A study on documented 5,612 visits by 51 morphospecies, underscoring the plant's importance in supporting native communities, though introduced bees may increase risks by favoring . Pollen transport efficiency varies significantly among visitors, with large bees providing the most effective cross-pollination services. In its native range, E. candicans experiences herbivory primarily from , which browse the foliage despite its bristly texture, while other mammals like deer and rabbits generally avoid it. Seeds are consumed by birds, aiding dispersal but reducing in some areas. In cultivation, the plant is susceptible to occasional infestations and damage, particularly to young growth and crowns, though these pests rarely cause fatal harm. Within Madeira's laurel forests, E. candicans serves as a key and source, supporting through its abundant inflorescences and attracting a wide network of native , including endemic and . This contributes to stability by sustaining populations during peak flowering seasons. E. candicans forms symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which enhance nutrient uptake, particularly and , in the nutrient-poor volcanic soils of its native . These associations extend the system's reach, improving resilience in oligotrophic environments typical of laurel forests. Studies on related species confirm AMF colonization rates of 30-40%, supporting production and overall growth.

Conservation Status

Echium candicans is classified as (DD) on the since 2011, reflecting insufficient information on its population trends and distribution due to its occurrence in remote, steep coastal cliffs that are difficult to survey. This status underscores the challenges in assessing the ' vulnerability, as comprehensive on abundance and decline rates remain limited despite its endemic nature to . The species faces several anthropogenic and environmental threats in its native habitat. Habitat loss driven by tourism development, , and projects fragments populations and reduces available suitable terrain. , particularly undulatum, compete with E. candicans for resources and alter the understory composition in laurel forests. Additionally, browsing by feral goats damages young and restricts regeneration, while exacerbates risks through altered patterns, increased frequency, and heightened intensity, all of which impact the moist microclimates essential for the species. Conservation measures include legal protection within the Madeira Natural Park, where core areas are safeguarded, and efforts to control goat populations have reduced browsing pressure in designated zones. In 2025, the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) conducted drone-based surveys of inaccessible cliff habitats in to aid plant conservation, observing E. candicans among other species and collecting samples from three conservation-priority plants. Regional Red List assessments by authorities are ongoing to refine the species' status beyond the global DD category, with no current listing under for international trade regulation. These initiatives aim to address data gaps and mitigate habitat degradation for long-term persistence.

Cultivation

Growing Requirements

Echium candicans thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, where it can tolerate brief minimum temperatures as low as 20-25°F (-7 to -4°C), though it is frost-sensitive and may suffer damage below that. This species prefers full sun exposure with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and benefits from the mild, humid conditions typical of coastal environments, where it performs best without extreme heat or cold. The plant requires well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic range of 6.0 to 7.5 to prevent waterlogging. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and needs only occasional watering, but moderate during the summer blooming period is recommended for inland plantings to support vigorous growth. For optimal site selection, plant E. candicans in a sheltered location protected from strong winds to avoid physical damage to its woody stems, allowing 1.5 to 2 meters of spacing between specimens to accommodate its mature size of up to 1.8 meters tall and wide. Its reliability in suitable conditions earned it the in 2002. While generally low-maintenance, E. candicans is prone to in overly wet or poorly drained soils and may develop powdery mildew in humid conditions, both of which can be mitigated by ensuring proper drainage and air circulation. Common pests include slugs, spider mites, and , particularly on young plants or under glass, though it shows strong resistance to deer browsing.

Propagation and Maintenance

Echium candicans, commonly known as Pride of Madeira, can be propagated primarily through or semi-hardwood cuttings, with being the more straightforward method for gardeners. To propagate from , sow them in late spring or early summer at a depth of about 1/8 inch in a well-draining seed-starting mix, covering lightly with sand or to retain moisture while allowing light penetration for . Maintain temperatures between 60°F and 70°F (15–21°C) and keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; typically occurs within 1 to 2 weeks. Seedlings should be pricked out and transplanted once they have two true leaves, then hardened off before planting out after the last frost. This method often results in blooming plants in their second year. For cuttings, take 3- to 4-inch semi-hardwood stems from healthy, non-flowering shoots in , ideally during May to in suitable climates. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, and in a sterile, soilless mix such as or . Enclose the pot in a to create high , place in bright indirect light at around 70°F (21°C), and keep the medium evenly moist; roots usually form in 3 to 6 weeks. Once rooted, acclimate the cuttings gradually to outdoor conditions. This approach is moderately challenging and best for propagating specific cultivars, as the does not reliably produce offsets. Fertilization is minimal; the plant performs well without it, but applying a light layer of in fall or a balanced, slow-release in spring can enhance vigor in nutrient-poor soils. is essential for maintenance: remove spent flower spikes immediately after blooming in spring to summer to encourage bushier growth and prevent self-seeding in non-native areas, and perform a light trim in late fall or early winter to shape the and remove dead wood, promoting a compact form up to 6 feet tall and wide. Wear gloves during handling, as the stiff hairs on leaves and stems can irritate skin. Pest issues are infrequent but include , , spider mites, and slugs; monitor for yellowing leaves or webbing and treat with or manual removal as needed. In colder climates (USDA zones below 9), protect from temperatures below 20-25°F (-7 to -4°C) using fleece or by growing in pots that can be overwintered indoors or in a at a minimum of 30°F (-1°C). The plant's lifespan is typically 5 years, after which it may become woody and less floriferous, prompting replacement via .

References

  1. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278007
  2. https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=543
  3. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/202652/2775891
  4. https://www.cal-ipc.org/plants/profile/echium-candicans-profile/
  5. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:115594-1
  6. https://www.ipni.org/n/115594-1
  7. https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000662725
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  9. https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=77286
  10. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/echium-plantagineum/
  11. https://tomclothier.hort.net/page37.html
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  13. https://www.thespruce.com/growing-pride-of-madeira-5088226
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  22. https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/556/55617069002.pdf
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  25. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/57723-Echium-candicans
  26. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/934/
  27. http://world-heritage-datasheets.unep-wcmc.org/datasheet/output/site/laurisilva-of-madeira
  28. https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/madeira
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  30. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12060488
  31. https://repositorio.ulisboa.pt/bitstream/10451/41473/1/ulfc125744_tm_Ricardo_Costa.pdf
  32. https://www.echiumworld.co.uk/resources/Echium%20Cultivation%20Notes%20Oct%202020.pdf
  33. https://garden.org/thread/view/33967/Echiums/
  34. https://www.aloki.hu/pdf/1301_193203.pdf
  35. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/162036/115869493
  36. https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/RL-4-025-En-Suppl.pdf
  37. https://www.naturalworldheritagesites.org/sites/laurisilva-of-madeira/
  38. https://ntbg.org/stories/ntbg-takes-drone-conservation-to-madeira-island/
  39. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/echium-candicans-pride-of-madeira
  40. https://planetdesert.com/products/pride-of-madeira-echium-candicans
  41. https://www.shootgardening.com/plants/echium-candicans
  42. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/transplant/Echium_candicans.html
  43. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/echium/
  44. https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-echicums/
  45. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=28372
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