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Flower of the Week – Pride of Madeira

Flower of the Week – Pride of Madeira

This week’s Flower of the Week is the Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans). This evergreen plant is native to Madeira but can now be found globally. The photograph was taken in California, where it is recognized as an invasive species. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. In New Zealand, it is a popular choice in gardens, although it has also established populations throughout the North and South Islands. Conversely, in parts of Australia, Echium candicans is classified as a high-risk weed. The Pride of Madeira is an excellent plant for attracting hummingbirds.

Joanne

2 responses to “Flower of the Week – Pride of Madeira”

  1. Steve Schwartzman

    Did you know that “madeira” in Portuguese means ‘wood’? It’s etymologically the same as the English word “matter.”
    In New Zealand I soon adopted the rule “If you see it, it isn’t native.” For most of the period that Britons settled in New Zealand, they tried to make the country over into a version of Britain. Only in recent years has there been an attempt to restore and promote what’s native there.

    Reply
    1. Joanne

      I didn’t know that (about madeira = wood). I know what you’re saying about Brits and gardens. Gardens are very special in Britain, and they try and dress them elaborately. I can see them doing that to New Zealand. At the same time, the “native plants” movement is relatively recent in many areas.

      Reply

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