Pride of Madeira Echium candicans

Names

• Family

  Boraginaceae.

• Synonyms

  Pride of Madeira, Giant Viper's-bugloss.

• Common names

  Echium fastuosum, Echium floribundum, Echium glaucum, Echium laurifolium, Echium macranthum.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Pride of Madeira, while not commonly listed as a poisonous plant to humans, can potentially cause irritation due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, especially if large amounts are ingested. These alkaloids can have toxic effects on the liver and can be carcinogenic. It is important to note that pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity generally requires significant or prolonged ingestion. Symptoms of poisoning may not be immediately apparent and can include liver damage, which may manifest as jaundice, pain, and hepatic failure in extreme cases.

• To pets

  Pride of Madeira is similarly toxic to pets due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, they could suffer from liver damage over time. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include lethargy, jaundice, loss of appetite, and possibly ascites due to liver failure. Chronic exposure can lead to severe and potentially fatal liver issues. It is important to keep pets away from this plant to prevent accidental ingestion.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Biennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)

• Spread

  6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  9

• Native area

  Madeira

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Echium candicans is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which are essential for the pollination of many plants and crops.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is highly drought-resistant, making it an ideal choice for water-conserving gardens or xeriscaping.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking spikes of purple flowers, Echium candicans provides a dramatic visual impact and adds vibrant color to garden landscapes.
• Low Maintenance: It requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional watering and pruning, which is perfect for gardeners looking for low-effort plants.
• Coastal Resilience: The plant is well-adapted to coastal conditions, including salty winds and sandy soils, which makes it useful for coastal stabilization and landscaping.
• Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage and abundant flowers can offer shelter and food to various species of wildlife, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
• Rapid Growth: Echium candicans grows relatively quickly, allowing gardeners to establish a mature garden in a shorter period compared to many other plants.
• Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion, an important function in certain landscaped or naturalized areas.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Echium candicans may possess anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce inflammation.
• Analgesic: The plant is sometimes used for its potential pain-relieving properties.
• Respiratory health: It is occasionally used to support respiratory health, though evidence is limited.
• Wound healing: There is some traditional use of the plant for the promotion of wound healing.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Echium candicans, commonly known as Pride of Madeira, can be used in coastal erosion control due to its robust root system that helps stabilize slopes and cliffs near the ocean.
• When grown in groups, Pride of Madeira can act as a windbreak, offering shelter to nearby gardens and reducing the impact of strong winds.
• The plant has potential as a source of biomass for bioenergy due to its rapid growth rate and high biomass production.
• Pride of Madeira's thick foliage can be used as a natural privacy screen in landscaping, providing a lush and decorative barrier.
• The striking appearance of Pride of Madeira makes it ideal for ornamental use in public spaces, like parks and large gardens, where it adds visual interest and attracts pollinators.
• Its long flowering spikes can be used in dried flower arrangements, where they retain their shape and color well after drying.
• The nectar-rich flowers can be used to create a unique, locally sourced honey, as they are highly attractive to bees.
• In educational settings, Pride of Madeira can be planted to teach students about plant life cycles and the importance of pollinators in ecosystems.
• Because of its resistance to salty sea spray, homeowners use Pride of Madeira to adorn seaside gardens without fearing salt damage to their plants.
• The dense growth habit of this plant may provide shelter for local wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects seeking refuge and nesting spots within its branches.

Feng Shui

The Pride of Madeira is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Pride of Madeira is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Pride of Madeira - Echium candicans is commonly known as Pride of Madeira. Its name implies a sense of regional pride and natural beauty, symbolizing the unique and striking flora of the Madeira Islands where the plant is native.
• Resilience and Adaptability - As a plant that thrives in coastal conditions and can adapt to various environments, Pride of Madeira symbolizes resilience to adversity and the ability to adjust in the face of challenges.
• Attractiveness - With its stunning and prominent inflorescences, Pride of Madeira represents attractiveness and the ability to stand out in a crowd, much like its eye-catching flowers that draw attention.
• Growth and Expansion - The rapid growth and expansive nature of Pride of Madeira symbolize personal growth, expansion of ideas, and the spreading of influences.