# Madeira

Susanne Lipps

Madeira definitely deserves its cognomen “Flower Island”. You will find plants from all regions of the earth growing in a very confined space. Wherever you go you will be surrounded by numerous familiar and unfamiliar plants. The botanical guide “Madeira – A Botanical Melting Pot!” contains plant descriptions that are organized in six typical groups: plants in gardens and parks, vegetation in coastal areas, flora of cultivated land and along the levadas, vegetation of the laurisilva forest, flora of the mountains and typical useful plants – altogether descriptions of 166 species, accompanied by colour photographs. You get to know interesting pieces of information that are directly or indirectly linked with the plant in question. Moreover there are enumerated these sites on Madeira where you may surely find them. The last chapter is dedicated to the island’s most beautiful gardens and parks; there you find information about the history of each garden, a detailed description and supplementary facts about opening hours, prices and how to get there by bus or by rented car.

Oliver Breda Edition


A Botanical Pocket Guide with 166 Descriptions of Selected and Typical Plants on Madeira and the most Beautiful Gardens

A Botanical Pocket Guide with 166 Descriptions of Selected and Typical Plants on Madeira and the most Beautiful Gardens

A Botanical Melting Pot!

A Botanical Melting Pot!

Madeira

Madeira

Flora at the Roadside:

Flowers, Herbs, Trees,

Crops and Fruits

Flora at the Roadside:

Flowers, Herbs, Trees,

Crops and Fruits


Madeira - A Botanical Melting Pot!

Madeira definitely deserves its cognomen “Flower Island”. You will find plants from all regions of the earth growing in a very confined space. Wherever you go you will be surrounded by numerous familiar and unfamiliar plants. The botanical guide “Madeira - A Botanical Melting Pot!” contains plant descriptions that are organized in six typical groups: plants in gardens and parks, vegetation in coastal areas, flora of cultivated land and along the levadas, vegetation of the laurisilva forest, flora of the mountains and typical useful plants - altogether descriptions of 166 species, accompanied by colour photographs. You get to know interesting pieces of information that are directly or indirectly linked with the plant in question. Moreover there are enumerated these sites on Madeira where you may surely find them. The last chapter is dedicated to the island’s most beautiful gardens and parks; there you find information about the history of each garden, a detailed description and supplementary facts about opening hours, prices and how to get there by bus or by rented car.

Oliver Breda Edition


ISBN 978-3-938282-10-6


Madeira

A Botanical

Melting Pot!

Oliver Breda Edition


Susanne Lipps

Madeira

A Botanical Melting Pot!

Oliver Breda Edition


Oliver Breda Edition


Oliver Breda Edition


The Author

Dr. Susanne Lipps is successful author of a number of travel and walk-ing guides about Madeira, the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal. After having studied Geography, Geology and Botany in Marburg (Germany), she graduated in 1985. Since 1988 she works as tour guide and freelance author and travels regularly to the island of Madeira.

All items in this book have been carefully enquired and checked to the best of our knowledge. The use of this book is at one’s owne risk. Author and publisher will not assume any liability for possible damages or prejudices of any kind.

Legal Notice

Layout: Günther Roeder, Oliver Breda

Photographs: Susanne Lipps, Oliver Breda

Type set in TheSans from LucasFonts

Production: Druckerei Hellendoorn, Bad Bentheim

Translation: Daniela Overkamp

© Oliver Breda Verlag, Duisburg

www.bredaverlag.de

ISBN 978-3-938282-10-6 (ebook edition)

ISBN 978-3-938282-09-0 (print edition)

No part of this publication may be reproduced, recorded or processed by means of electronic systems without the prior permission of the publisher.


Table of Contents

The Author 6

Legal Notice 6

Table of Contents 7

Introduction 8

Hints for the Usage of this Book 9

In the Gardens 11

Vegetation in Coastal Areas 61

Along the Levadas 89

In the Laurel Forest 119

On Cliffs and in the Mountains 157

Crops and Fruits 171

Gardens and Parks 189

Register 200


Introduction

Madeira definitely deserves its cognomen “Flower Island”. In a very confined space there are growing plants from all regions of the earth. Wherever you go numerous plants, both known and unknown will surround you. The botanical guide “Madeira- A Botanical Melting Pot!” is directed to everyone who visits the island and is interested in its flora. The format of the book was chosen to make it possible for everybody to carry it with him/her without being bothered.

Arriving on Madeira you will probably experience the sumptuous flora for the first time in the hotel garden. In the following days you can visit the numerous parks that are all well worth seeing. Colourful plants, most of them native to the tropics, thrive in all of them.

Definitely worth visiting regions with particular vegetation are to be found along the coast. You will find a more inconspicuous but nevertheless interesting flora. Outside the towns the indigenous flora is often well preserved and mixed with numerous foreign species from distant lands.

Eye-catching hotchpotches of different plants are to be found along the famous irrigation channels (levadas) and tiny terrace fields. Strollers and hikers will encounter exotic tropical and subtropical plants next to familiar ones that also grow in British

and Central European gardens

In contrast to the vegetation form described earlier, the laurel forest has remained a nearly unspoiled jungle. Apart from the various members of the Laurel family you will encounter numerous trees, shrubs and herbs that have adapted to the humid conditions. Ferns, mosses and lichens give this biotope its somehow primeval appearance. Hikers find a network of paths in the laurel forest.

Rocks characterize the bleak landscape in the centre of the island where you will find heath forests and moors. A sparse, alpine flora populates both steep rocks around the highest mountain peaks and rocky sites at lower altitudes. Finally we should not forget the useful plants that are cultivated on Madeira. Many tropical fruits are grown and sold on the markets. Bananas and sugar cane are of special importance. Apparently familiar plants present themselves in different forms on Madeira.

All in all you will experience the abundance of most different plants on Madeira yourself when you visit the island. The plants that are described in this book can thus only be a selection, completeness can not be claimed. Anyway there are indicated most of the plants that you will encounter during your holiday on Madeira.

We wish you a pleasant stay!

Susanne Lipps and Oliver Breda

8


Hints for the Usage of this Book

The botanical guide “Madeira- A Botanical Melting Pot!” contains plant descriptions that are organized in six typical groups. The chosen order corresponds to the order in which the visitor will probably encounter the respective flora: exotic plants introduced from tropical and subtropical countries in gardens and parks, wild growing vegetation in coastal areas, flora of cultivated land and along irrigation channels (levadas), vegetation of the laurisilva / laurel forest, flora in the mountains and on rock faces, typical useful plants.

There may be plants that cannot be clearly assigned to one of the chapters. They will be described with the vegetation form that is their most typical habitat. In order to not oversize the book you will not find descriptions neither of plants that were introduced to Madeira from Europe (maples, oaks, firs) nor of ornamental plants that are commonly known (geranium, narcissus, etc.)

Within the different chapters the plants are organized from big to small. The details about the bloom time are guidelines. The climate on Madeira is very uniform; thus it is possible that several specimens of various species bloom at all times of the year (especially in years with an unusual weather development). You should be able to clearly identify the plants on the basis

of the images and the pieces of information that are given about their characteristics, even if you don’t have any special botanical knowledge. The site details offer information about sites where you can easily encounter the respective plants. The plant descriptions are completed with interesting facts that are directly or indirectly linked with the plant in question.

The last chapter is dedicated to Madeira’s most beautiful parks. There you find information about the history of each garden, a detailed description and supplementary facts about opening hours, prices and how to get there by bus or by rented car.

You will need a map of the island to find the parks and the sites that are indicated within the plant descriptions. Tour operators and hotels hand out general maps and a map of Funchal to their guests. It is also available free of charge in the tourist offices and will do for gaining a first overview. The Walking map of Madeira 1:50000 by Goldstadt is more detailed and also suited as a road map. It is available in many Madeiran bookstores.

The detailed register lists the botanical denomination and the common English names of the plants. In public parks and gardens, many plants are labelled with the botanical denomination; thus it will not be difficult to find already identified plants in the book.

9


In the Gardens

Madeira’s cognomen “Flower Island” is due to the tropical and subtropical flora that thrives in the gardens and parks and decorates avenues, roadsides and promenades. The cultivated plants were imported from all over the world and impress either with their outstanding flowers or with their conspicuous shape. The less spectacular endemic flora is only scarcely represented in the gardens. Exceptions prove the rule (e. g. the decorative dragon tree, the sumptuous endemic viper’s buglosses, Canary marguerites and Madeira stork’s bills). In the 16th century, Portuguese seafarers began to introduce plants from Africa, Asia and South America to Madeira that had been unknown in Europe until then. They intended to adapt the delicate, tropical species gradually to a chillier climate so that later they would be able to cultivate them outside in Portugal, e.g. in the royal gardens of Lisbon and Sintra. This aim was never achieved because many tropical plants do not tolerate temperatures of only several degrees above zero or lower. Anyway, Madeira’s flora was enriched. In the 18th and 19th century British wine merchants mostly impressed the island, both economically and culturally. They also imported numerous exotic plants. They used to construct villas at more dizzy altitudes of 500-700 m (550-765 yd.) where the climate

is less sultry than in the coastal areas and vied with each other to collect botanical rarities from all continents. They introduced mostly subtropical plants from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Japan to Madeira and sometimes from there to England. Many trees and shrubs originate in the more moderate climate zones of North America and thrive in gardens at higher altitudes.

Today both public authorities and private people continue the traditional garden culture. Every roadside and every traffic island is carefully planted with Oleander, Sword Aloe, Agapanthus and Hydrangea. All plants flower at different times of the year. Thus the visitor always feels like being “on a swimming garden in the middle of the Atlantic”. Every garden, whether big or small, is well tended by its owner. The most beautiful plantings are valued with prices and honours in all villages. Many ornamental plants that are also known in Central and West Europe nowadays, are decorating kitchen gardens (e.g. fuchsias, freesias, geraniums and petunias). A multitude of gardeners is continually working for the care and the (re)planting of plants in the big parks that are open to the public. Mostly at these sites people fond of botany will find magnificent trees, shrubs and flowering plants from tropical and subtropical countries.

11


In the Gardens

Australian Tree Fern,

Cooper’s Tree Fern

Sphaeropteris cooperi

Bloom time

None

Characteristics

The giant fern produces a thin trunk that grows up to 9 m (10 yd.) tall and thus reminds of a palm tree. The fronds branch from the top of the trunk; they are remarkably longer than 1 m (3,3‘) and bipinnate. You will easily observe scars on the trunk’s bark; they derive from elder fronds that have already fallen off.

Site:

Cooper’s Tree Fern is cultivated in moist regions up to an altitude of 800 m (875 yd.). It is frequently found in shady ravines as in the “Inferno” in Palheiro Gardens. Some remarkable specimens can also be found in the region of Ribeiro Frio, along the Levada da Serra superior to Camacha and on the central square of Camacha.

Interesting to know:

Cooper’s Tree Fern is native to Australia. Nowadays it has spread worldwide through tropical and subtropical regions because of its highly decorating character. Although you only find slight variations there are known about 900 species of tree ferns. They grow in mountain forests mainly on the southern hemisphere. To grow well they require a stable climate with a constantly high humidity and without frost. The trunks do no consist of wood; they are tubes that are supported by the surrounding stalks and aerial roots.


12


In the Gardens

King Sago Palm

Cycas revoluta

Bloom time

All year round.

Characteristics

The King Sago Palm looks like a crossbreed between a fern and a palm but only grows up to 3 m (10‘) tall. The trunk is sturdy and scaly. The fronds reach a length of about 2 m (6,6‘). In the centre of the crown are growing the plant’s brown blooms: female specimens develop a woolly hemisphere, males a cone.

Site:

On Madeira you will find the King Sago Palm in various gardens, mainly in regions at an altitude of 300-600 m (330-655 yd.). An impressing collection of Cycas, including a variety of other species than the King Sago Palm, is to be found in the Jardim Tropical Monte Palace([192]).

Interesting to know:

Cycas are very old representatives of flowering plants. They already existed in the days of the dinosaurs, approx. 200 million years ago and thus are frequently referred to as “living fossils”. Today the majority of the 185 known species is threatened with extinction. The King Sago Palm, native to South-East Asia, is especially resistant and can even be grown in Mediterranean regions. Younger specimens are popular as houseplants. All Cycas are toxic. The seed of the King Sago Palm only becomes edible by roasting or drying it.

13


Norfolk Island Pine (middle-left)

Araucaria excelsa

Bloom time

March and April.

Characteristics

The Norfolk Island Pine is a giant conifer that can reach a height superior to 50 m (55 yd.). At each level, six branches emerge nearly horizontally from the trunk. The quite long distance between the various branch levels produces the picture of a relatively sparse crown.

Site:

The Norfolk Island Pine grows in many parks up to an altitude of 600 m (655 yd.); as a decorative specimen tree it often towers above all other plants. It is frequently cultivated next to the Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii); this tree reaches a similar height but is characterized by a rounded off crown (right side of the picture).

Interesting to know:

Initially the genus Araucaria was restricted to the southern hemisphere. Two of its species are native to South America; the remaining 16 species are native to Australia and the South-West Pacific. The Norfolk Island Pine’s natural habitat is Norfolk Island (Pacific Ocean, east of Australia). Today it is cultivated as an ornamental plant in parks in regions with a warm and humid climate. The high demand of wooden masts in times of giant sailing ships helped this species with its very straight growing trunk to spread worldwide.

In the Gardens

14


In the Gardens

Blue Lawson’s Cypress

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana

Bloom time

April and May.

Characteristics

3-10 m (3-11 yd.) high, the light green conifer is known for growing evenly and conically. Younger specimens develop their needles right above the ground; elder specimens develop a short trunk. The inflorescences are inconspicuous and barely to be noticed. The spherical cones are slightly blue.

Site:

The Blue Lawson’s Cypress flourishes in all regions at 600-1300 m (655-1420 yd.) altitude that are the natural habitat of the laurel forest. You will find various specimens both in the parks (e.g. Quinta do Santo da Serra, [196]) and along the roadside. Moreover it grows in exotic collections of trees that have been cultivated in projects by forest management services (e.g. lining the road from the Poiso pass to Ribeiro Frio).

Interesting to know:

This attractive conifer is native to North America, mainly to the northwest of the USA. There it grows in big populations and reaches a height up to 50 m (55 yd.). The conical or columnar species of these “false” cypresses are cultivated as ornamental plants in these regions that are not supported by the similar genuine cypresses. False cypresses are more resistant and grow faster. There have been grown more than 100 horticultural cultivars of Blue Lawson’s Cypress.

15


In the Gardens

Queensland Kauri

Agathis robusta

Bloom time

March.

Characteristics

The tree reaches a height of 10-20 m (11-22 yd.). Its crown is larger in height than in width. The tough leaves are slender and tapered and stick rigidly out from the twigs. The female blooms are light brown, longish and slightly curved cones that are shorter than the leaves. They disintegrate at maturity of the fruits.

Site:

The Queensland Kauri requires sunlight and warmth, thus you will mainly find it close to the southern coastal line. It barely grows in regions higher than 100 m (110 yd.) above sea level. It is frequently found in the parks and hotel gardens of Funchal and lines roads in the city centre; e.g. the Avenida do Mar or the Avenida do Infante.

Interesting to know:

The tree is native to Northeast Australia. Although seeming to resemble a deciduous tree, Queensland Kauri is a conifer and part of the Araucaria family. The natural habitats of the Araucariaceae can all be found on the southern hemisphere. Two species related to Queensland Kauri, the Borneo Kauri (Agathis dammara), native to the Philippines, and the New Zealand Kauri (Agathis australis), native to New Zealand, are providing wood and kauri resin. The amber-coloured, hard resin is for example used to produce varnishes.

16


In the Gardens

Weeping Fig

Ficus benjamina

Bloom time

All around the year.

Characteristics

The giant tree that may grow up to 20 m (22 yd.) tall can develop various trunks and spreading branches with aerial roots. The oval, tapered leaves are quite small and similar to amber leaves but dispose of a milky sap. The inconspicuous blooms develop fig-like, red fruits (Ø 1 cm (0,4‘‘)).

Site:

You will find the Weeping Fig in parks up to an altitude of 200 m (220 yd.) above sea lev-el. Either as a single tree or in groups it may decorate a square and provide shade simulta-neously (e.g. at Largo dos Milagres in Machico, at the viewpoint in Rua das Cruzes, close to the Quinta das Cruzes (Funchal)). It may also line avenues like the Avenida do Mar, Funchal.

Interesting to know:

The Weeping Fig is native to Malaysia; anyway it is cultivated today in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. Younger specimens are used as indoor trees in many Central European hous-es. It is closely related to the Indian Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica). The Common Fig Tree (Ficus carica), native to the Mediterranean region, is another representative of this species-rich ge-nus. Single specimens of the latter are cultivat-ed on Madeira as useful plants (mainly in the northeast close to Faial and São Roque do Faial).

17


In the Gardens

Camphor Tree, Camphor Laurel

Cinnamonum camphora

Bloom time

From January to April.

Characteristics

The tree grows up to 20 m (22 yd.) high and disposes of a very close branch network. Together with its dense foliage this creates a spreading crown. The ovate, tapered leaves turn upwards remarkably feebly. The great number of inconspicuous, greenish blooms branches erectly from thin panicles.

Site:

The Camphor Tree is one of the most impress-ing trees that grows in Madeira’s parks. It prefers warm, sheltered sites close to the southern coast. You will mainly find it in Funchal, e.g. in the Parque Santa Catarina ([198]) or in the Quinta Magnólia ([199]).

Interesting to know:

The Camphor Tree is indigenous to China, Taiwan and Japan where it is admired for its giant stature and for being able to become hundreds of years old. Today it is recognized as an ornamental tree in all warm countries. The Camphor Tree resembles laurels and is assigned to the same family. Being crumbled, the leaves smell of camphor. Initially, cam-phor oil was produced by distilling it from the shavings. It has already been employed for centuries both externally against rheumatism and internally to support the heart functions.

18


In the Gardens

Brazilian Kapok Tree,

Pink Floss Silk Tree

Ceiba speciosa

Bloom time

September and October

Characteristics

The trunk can grow up to 15 m (16 yd.) tall and tapers remarkably in upward direction. It is covered with conical spines. The hand-shaped leaves fall off in spring. The pear-shaped fruits contain a silky substance. The five-petaled, pink flowers develop before the new leaves emerge.

Site:

In the southern half of Madeira you will fre-quently find the Brazilian Kapok Tree up to an altitude of 350 m (385 yd.). It lines roads and decorates parks and gardens. Beautiful speci-mens can be contemplated e.g. in the Jardim Municipal (Funchal, [198]) and in the garden of the Quinta Vigia ([198]). In Machico you will find a Kapok Tree next to the town hall, in Caniço at the Parking of Quinta Spléndida.

Interesting to know:

The Brazilian Kapok Tree is native to the savan-nahs of Brazil and Argentina. The fruits contain about 100 black seeds with white, woolly hairs that are distributed by wind. The Common Kapok Tree/Silk Cotton Tree (Ceiba pentandra) that does not grow on Madeira but is cultivat-ed on Asian plantations disposes of seed hairs that are of commercial value. They are waxy and do not absorb water - thus they are used to produce life jackets, lifebelts and mattresses.

19


In the Gardens

Sausage Tree, Fetish Tree

Kigelia africana

Bloom time

From June to August.

Characteristics

The colour of the trumpet-shaped blossoms ranges from deep red to purple. They hang in loose panicles on long stalks. The typical sausage-like fruits are developing from the blossoms. Some are longish, others bulbous. The leaves of this tree that reaches a height of 5 m (5,5 yd.) are pinnate and fall off in winter.

Site:

You will find the Sausage Tree growing only in the south up to an altitude of 100 m (110 yd.). It is hardly ever cultivated in gardens and parks. Three beautiful specimens are situated in the Jardim Municipal in Funchal ([198]), another one in the Parque Santa Catarina ([198]). Two other specimens are to be found in the Quinta Magnólia ([199]).

Interesting to know:

The Sausage Tree is indigenous to West Africa. In this humid and warm regions it grows up to 20 m (22 yd.); the fruits may be up to 1 m (3,3‘) long and weigh up to 10 kg. The specimens that grow in Madeira’s gardens do not reach these dimen-sions. The fleshy fruits are inedible; anyway they are used in Africa by traditional medicine and magic. They are supposed to cure rheumatism, snake bits and syphilis as well as to protect from evil ghosts. The flowers only blossom one night. At daytime you only see buds or wilted blooms.

20


In the Gardens

African Tulip Tree,

Flame of the Forest

Spathodea campanulata

Bloom time

All year round.

Characteristics

The decorative tree can reach a height up to 25 m (28 yd.). Its dark green leaves are pinnate. Round inflorescences are situated on the surface of the dense, spherical crown. The tulip-like flowers are coloured from orange to scarlet and are slightly curved towards the centre of the blossom cluster.

Site:

In the southern coastal area of Madeira you will frequently find the tree as an ornamen-tal plant up to an altitude of 200 m (220 yd.). It lines town roads and grows in gardens and parks. In Funchal you find some speci-mens in the Parque Santa Catarina ([198]), in the Avenida do Infante and in the Avenida Luis Camões that leads towards the hospital.

Interesting to know:

The tree is native to the African savannahs where, in contrast to Madeira, it sheds its leaves in the arid season. Today it is one of the most popular ornamental plants in all countries that correspond to its climatic requirements. It is a fast growing tree; the wood is hardly usable. The outer buds bloom first while the inner, brown and hairy buds still remain closed. Birds in search of nectar will land on the latter ones. On Madeira, pollination is not taking place.

21


In the Gardens

Blue Jacaranda,

Brazilian Rosewood

Jacaranda mimosifolia

Bloom time

From April to May.

Characteristics

The gnarled growing tree grows up to 20 m (22 yd.) tall. In winter it sheds off its leaves. Before they sprout again in spring the bleak tree develops the popular blue-violet panicles of flowers. They consist of many single blossoms. As those of many fern species, the tender leaves are bipinnate.

Site:

In the south of Madeira the Blue Jacaranda is growing in gardens and parks up to an altitude of 300 m (330 yd.). In Funchal, Jacaranda is lining whole streets. There you may discover an especially conspicuous effect of the flowers at the end of April when they produce strongly violet shining avenues, e.g. in Avenida Arriaga, in Avenida do Infante or in Rua João de Deus.

Interesting to know:

The tree origins from the savannahs of South Brazil. The Portuguese explorers adapted the Indian name: the “j” at the beginning is pro-nounced like in journal, the emphasis is on the last syllable. Today Jacaranda is cultivated in many countries because of its spectacu-lar flowers. It is said that in Pretoria (South Africa) there are cultivated 6000 specimens.

22


In the Gardens

Pride of Bolivia, Tipu Tree

Tipuana tipu

Bloom time

From June to September; dur-ing this time there are con-stantly emerging new blos-soms.

Characteristics

The imposing tree has dense foliage and a broad crown. It grows up to 10 m (11 yd.) tall. The long leaves are pinnate; the single com-pounds are longish and ovate. The yellow blossoms emerge from short panicles.

Site:

Although you may find the Pride of Bolivia on Madeira in regions up to an altitude of 600 m (655 yd.), it mainly grows in coastal areas. Especially in Funchal the tree is lin-ing many roads, e.g. the Avenida Zarco or the Rua Arcipreste behind the market hall.

Interesting to know:

The tree is native to South America (Brazil, Ar-gentina, Bolivia) where it can grow up to 35 m (38 yd.) tall. Its botanical denomination refers to the Valle Tipuana, a Bolivian valley in which the Tipu Tree develops larger populations. It belongs to the family of Fabaceae; thus it is not related to Jacaranda (Bignonia family, cf. p. [22]). Anyway it is also called Yellow Jacaranda because of its pinnate leaves and blossom pan-icles. Pride of Bolivia is a fast growing, unde-manding and flexible tree, characteristics that make it popular as a street tree. Today it is even cultivated in mild regions of the Mediterranean.

23


In the Gardens

Flame Tree

Brachychiton acerifolius

Bloom time

From April to September.

Characteristics

The Flame Tree grows up to 10 m (11 yd.) tall. The leaves consist of three to five lobes and are shed off in winter. In spring the plant develops the main blossoms before new leaves sprout. The scarlet blossoms are little and bell-shaped; they grow in long, hanging racemes.

Site:

At Madeira’s southern coast you will often find the Flame tree being cultivated as an ornamen-tal plant up to an altitude of 200 m (220 yd.). You may frequently see the plant in Funchal where it is both lining roads and growing in gardens and parks. An eye-catching specimen shades the inner courtyard of Funchal’s market hall.

Interesting to know:

The tree is native to Australia where it grows in the rainforest at the eastern coast. In South Africa you might see it frequently as a park tree. Its frost tolerance allows cultivating it even in the Mediterranean regions. The wood is extremely light and soft; thus you could hammer against the trunks of older speci-mens and will notice that they sound empty. The wood is sometimes employed to produce life belts; moreover it can serve as a substi-tute for balsa wood in model construction.


24


In the Gardens

Tropical Hydrangea Tree,

Pink Ball Dombeya

Dombeya wallichii

Bloom time

From November to February.

Characteristics

The tree grows spherical-ly and reaches up to 8 m (9 yd.) tall. It has dense foliage. The heart-shaped leaves are tapered, have a point-ed extreme and are tender-ly hairy on the underside. The hemispherical, hanging flowers remind of Hydran-geas. The single blossoms are pink with yellow stamens.

Site:

You will find the Hydrangea Tree in parks in the south, mainly in the region of Funchal and up to an altitude of 300 m (330 yd.). Specimen trees are growing in the Botani-cal Garden ([190]), in the Quinta das Cruzes ([199]) and in the Quinta Palmeira ([195]).

Interesting to know:

The tree is native to Madagascar. Today it is cul-tivated as an ornamental plant in all tropical countries. Despite of its name and the blossoms it is not related to Hydrangeas but belongs to the Mallow family (Malvaceae). The genus Dombeya got its name from J. Dombey (1742-1795), popu-lar as a traveller for America, and contains about 300 species that are exclusively native to Africa, mainly to Madagascar. Their blossoms are not too attractive yet. Anyway some Dombeya spe-cies from South Africa are cultivated in the Med-iterranean region because they tolerate light frosts (in contrast to the Tropical Hydrangea Tree).


25


In the Gardens

Batwing Coral Tree

Erythrina speciosa

Bloom time

From January to April.

Characteristics

The tree grows up to 5 m (5,5 yd.) tall. The heart-shaped leaves are shed off in win-ter. Blossoms sprout of the bare tree. The conical inflo-rescences are placed at the shoot tips; mostly in little groups on short sprigs. The intense red single blooms have crescent-like ends that rigidly stick out sideways.

Site:

On Madeira you will find the Batwing Coral Tree as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens. It prefers sites in the sunny south-ern part of the island up to an altitude of 300 m (330 yd.). For example there are sev-eral specimens situated in the Parque Santa Catarina ([198]), Funchal. You can also find the tree growing in Machico and in Ribeira Brava.

Interesting to know:

The Batwing Coral Tree is native to South Brazil. The Abyssinian Coral Tree/Red-Hot Poker Tree (Erythrina abyssinica) is a related species in-digenous to Central and East Africa with brush-shaped flowers. The lobes of the single blossom are narrower and thread-shaped. This species can also be found on Madeira. The seeds of most Coral Tree species are toxic. The seeds of Abyssinian Coral Tree contain a narcotic agent that has a similar effect to curare. It could cause paralysis or even death for human beings.


26


In the Gardens

Cock’s Comb Coral Tree

Erythrina crista-galli

Bloom Time

From March to September.

Characteristics

It can grow up to 5 m (6,5 yd.) tall but often stays shrub-shaped. The leathery leaves are roughly pinnate and partly thorny. You can easily distinguish between the Cock’s Comb Coral Tree and other Coral Tree spe-cies represented on Madeira by its blossoms that resem-ble the comb of a rooster.

Site:

In the south of the island you will find spec-imen trees in parks and gardens up to an altitude of 300 m (330 yd.). A remarkably giant specimen grows in front of the church on the main square of Caniço. Occasionally you may also encounter this attractive plant in Funchal.

Interesting to know:

The tree originates from tropical regions in South America (South Brazil, Paraguay, Uru-guay, North Argentina) where it is pollinated by hummingbirds that are drawn by the con-spicuous red blossoms. To attract birds the plant produces particularly much nectar that often drips from the blossoms. Thus the tree is also called “Cry-Baby”. The plant tolerates low frost. Although it uses to freeze back there, it can even be cultivated outdoors in Southern England. Being quite hardy and undemand-ing you may often find it being cultivated in unheated greenhouses of botanical gardens.

27


In the Gardens

Judas Tree

Cercis siliquastrum

Bloom time

From March to May.

Characteristics

The little tree grows up to 5 m (5,5 yd.) tall and sheds off its rounded leaves in win-ter. The magenta blossoms remind of those of papilion-aceous plants. They appear before the leaves emerge and are situated in short racemes directly on the twigs (stem-flowering or cauliflo-ry), often lining them entirely.

Site:

On Madeira you will probably not find the Judas Tree very frequently. It prefers quite chilly and foggy sites at an altitude of 300-600 m (330-655 yd.) where it grows in sever-al parks, e.g. in the Palheiro Gardens ([191]).

Interesting to know:

The tree is native to the bush lands of the eastern Mediterranean regions and the Near East. Its name is derived from “Judaea tree”, denomination that refers to its geographical origin. The legend tells us that Judas Iscariot hung himself on a tree of this species after realizing the consequences he had caused by betraying Christ. The plant’s blossoms are sup-posed to symbolize his blood. Its flat seeds are representing the coins that Judas received by the authorities as the reward for his treason.


28


In the Gardens

Cape Chestnut Tree

Calodendrum capense

Bloom time

From May to July.

Characteristics

The tree reaches a height of 7-15 m (7,5-16,5 yd.) and has a smooth trunk with many branches and a broad canopy. The leaves are up to 20 cm (8‘‘) long and remind of Sweet Chestnut Trees but appear separately. The conical inflo-rescences are pink and consist of numerous blooms which each have five narrow petals.

Site:

The Cape Chestnut Tree does not appear very frequently on Madeira. Occasionally you may find it in several parks and gardens, most-ly in the municipal area of Funchal or for example in the Palheiro Gardens ([191]).

Interesting to know:

The Cape Chestnut Tree originates from re-gions that are close to the South African coast. It was introduced as an ornamental plant in many tropical and subtropical countries for its attractive blossoms. The plant is a member of the Rue family (Rutaceae) and thus is not closely related to the Sweet Chestnut Tree, which belongs to the Beech family (Fagaceae). Horse Chestnut Trees make up another family. Rutaceae are nearly exclusively found in warm-er zones of the earth. Both leaves and fruits contain ethereal oils. Oranges and lemons are popular representatives of the Rue family.


29


In the Gardens

Peruvian Pepper Tree

Schinus molle

Bloom time

From October to Febru-ary; fruit bearing from May onwards.

Characteristics

The tree grows up to 8 m (9 yd.) tall. With its pendulous twigs it reminds of a Weep-ing Willow. If you crumble the pinnate, likewise pen-dulous leaves they smell intensively of pepper. Green berries that become pink at maturity develop from the whitish, inconspicuous flow-ers organized in panicles.

Site:

On Madeira you will mainly find Peru-vian Pepper Trees as ornamental plants at the southern coast, up to an altitude of 400 m (440 yd.). They are most frequently culti-vated in the parks and gardens of Funchal; e.g. there are various specimens to be found in the Parque Santa Catarina ([198]).

Interesting to know:

The Peruvian Pepper Tree is not only native to Peru - as implies the denomination - but to all tropical sites in Latin America from Argentina to Mexico. It is not related to the Black Pepper Plant (Piper nigrum), which provides authentic pep-per. The fruits also taste hot but somewhat bit-ter and resinous; in former times they were used to thin down the expensive authentic pepper. The “pink berries” that are on the market today use to be fruits from the Brazilian Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius). They are toxic in larg-er quantities and should thus be used thriftily.

30


In the Gardens

Tricoloured Frangipani, Tricoloured Temple Tree

Plumeria tricolor

Bloom time

From June to October; single blossoms all year round.

Characteristics

The tree grows up to 6 m (6,5 yd.) tall; first branches emerge shortly above the ground. The gnarled branches contain a milky sap and form a broad crown. The dark green leaves are large and longish. They are shed up during bloom-ing time and leave scars. The flowers are coloured cream-pink or cream-orange.

Site:

The Tricoloured Frangipani grows in parks and gardens in south coast areas up to an altitude of 300 m (330 yd.). In Funchal, beautiful specimens are to be found in the Parque Santa Catarina ([198])and in the Jardim Municipal ([198]).

Interesting to know:

The Tricoloured Frangipani is indigenous to Mexico and the northern part of South Amer-ica. The wild form has white blossoms with a yellow base. Today the cultivars are mostly grown in tropical Asia. As a symbol of eternal life they are commonly planted in temple areas and on graveyards together with the Singapore Frangipani (Plumeria obtusa). Frangipani was the name of the Italian producer of a popu-lar perfume in the 12th century. It is said that when Europeans discovered the tree centuries later in America, the strong fragrance of the blossoms reminded them of this perfume. On Madeira you can also find the Red Frangipani.

31


In the Gardens

Purple Orchid Tree,

Camel’s Foot Tree

Bauhinia variegata

Bloom time

From January to April.

Characteristics

On Madeira the tree will not grow more than 4 m (4,5 yd.) tall. It has long, thick twigs and silver leaves that hang on short stalks. They are clearly notched at the tip and give the impression of two leaves having grown into one anoth-er. The single blossoms are 10 cm (4‘‘) broad and colour-ed pink or narrow purple.

Site:

The Purple Orchid Tree is a rare ornamental plant in the gardens and parks of the south. Next to the entrance to the carport of the casino of Funchal you will find a beautiful specimen. Oth-ers are to be seen in the Parque Santa Catarina ([198])and in the Botanical Garden ([190]).

Interesting to know:

The tree is native to regions from India to South China, mostly to the inclinations of the Him-alayas. Today it is cultivated in many tropical and subtropical countries. Many of the other 300 Bauhinia species are also growing in vari-ous gardens worldwide. They are called orchid trees because of their blossoms. One of each five-crown petals is lip-like enlarged; thus they remind of the orchids belonging to the genus Cattleya. Anyway the orchid trees are not related to the orchids. The botanical name is derived from the researchers Johann and Caspar Bauhin (1541-1613 and 1560-1624).


32


In the Gardens

Yellow Angel’s Trumpet,

White Angel’s Trumpet

Brugmansia candida

Bloom time

All year round.

Characteristics

The up to 4 m (4,4 yd.) tall shrub has numerous, trum-pet-like blooms that are up to 20 cm (8‘‘) long. The five petals grow together and form the trumpet’s “neck”. At the verge of the broad opening they run into pointed ends. Young leaves are covered with hairs and slightly serrated, later they become smooth and entire.

Site:

On Madeira you find Angel’s Trumpets in many gardens and parks. They grow in coastal areas and in the south of the Island even up to an alti-tude of 500 m (550 yd.). Beautiful specimens you will find in the park of the Quinta Vigia ([198]), Funchal, and in the Palheiro Gardens ([191]).

Interesting to know:

In former days the plants of the genus Brug-mansia were assigned to the genus Datura (thorn apple). Today only herbal plants with spiny fruits are classified as Daturas. The Angel’s Trumpet is an hybrid of various South American wild species. You may also encounter the Gold-en Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia aurea), a simi-lar plant native to the northern Andes that is as well cultivated on Madeira as a garden plant. All parts of Brugmansia plants contain toxic alka-loids. Golden Angel’s Trumpet is said to be espe-cially poisonous. Indian medicine men prepare an intoxicating drink from its leaves and seeds.


33


In the Gardens

Japanese Camellia

Camellia japonica

Bloom time

From January to March.

Characteristics

The Japanese Camellia can reach up to 3 m (10‘) tall and ranges between shrubs and trees. The leaves are egg-shaped, dark green, leathery and glossy. The flowers that remind of roses develop from numerous buds; they only barely scent. There are pink, red and white kinds of blossoms.

Site:

The Japanese Camellia grows at all sites that are the natural habitat of the warmth prefer-ring part of the laurel forest. In correspond-ing regions you will find it in parks and gar-dens. A Camellia avenue is guiding towards the Palheiro Gardens ([191]). Especially beautiful Camellias are also to be found in the park of Queimadas, in Ribeiro Frio ([197]) and in the Quinta do Santo da Serra ([196]).

Interesting to know:

Camellias are native to East Asia and were named in the 18th century by the popular natural scien-tist Linné. He derived their name from the Moravi-an abbot Camellius who dedicated himself to nat-ural historic studies on the Philippines. Only in the early 19th century the first Camellias came from China and Japan to Italy. Cultivation was contin-ued in Milan and Florence. The wild form does have simple pink flowers. Today there are cultivars with double flowers and in various colours.


34


In the Gardens

Common Oleander, Rose Bay

Nerium oleander

Bloom time

From May to August.

Characteristics

The shrub grows up to 3 m (10‘) tall. The twigs grow upright; the leaves are long, narrow and leathery. Its numerous blooms are mostly white or pink and resemble little wheels for its five pet-als that are curved clockwise. You may also find strong red flowering, decorative cultivars that use to be stuffed.

Site:

The Common Oleander grows mainly in the south up to an altitude of about 400 m (440 yd.). It prefers a dry and sunny climate and is culti-vated at roadsides or on traffic islands. More-over you find it decorating parks and gardens.

Interesting to know:

In its natural habitat, the Mediterranean re-gions, the Common Oleander grows frequently at courses of rivers that dry out seasonally. Al-ready in the ancient world Common Oleander was recognized as an ornamental plant. Depic-tions of the shrub are to be found on Cretan murals dating from the 14th century BC and in Pompeii. Cross-breedings with the fragrant Sweet-scented Oleander (Nerium odorum) from India produced intensively smelling spe-cies. The Common Oleander plant contains substances that could cause cardiac arrest. In South France the pulverized bark is used as rat poison. Even wood and leaves are poisonous.

35


In the Gardens

Chinese Hibiscus, Rose of China

Hibiscus rosa sinensis

Bloom time

All year round.

Characteristics

The shrub is 1-3 m (3,3-10‘) tall and develops a dense net of branches. The leaves are heart-shaped and serrated. The blossoms consist of five petals that form a funnel with up to 10 cm (4‘‘) width. Colours range from red and pink trough white to orange and yellow. The pistil pro-trudes far out of the bloom.

Site:

On Madeira you will find this shrub in parks and gardens up to an altitude of 400 m (440 yd.). For its dense growth it is often used for cultivating hedges. The hardy Rose of Sha-ron (Hibiscus syriacus) is a rare relative with smaller, pink flowers and very upright twigs.

Interesting to know:

The Chinese Hibiscus is one of the most popu-lar ornamental shrubs. In its native habitat in South East Asia it has already been cultivated for a long time. Female Asians used to colour their hair and eyebrows with the sap. The wild species has shining red blossoms, cultivars may have flowers in varying colours, stuffed or enlarged blossoms and speckled leaves. The blossoms are extremely short living but the abundant development of buds makes up for the fact that each flower will only last one day.


36


In the Gardens

Brazilian Spider Flower

Tibouchina urvilleana

Bloom time

All year round.

Characteristics

The shrub grows up to 3 m (10‘) tall and has oval, tapered, velvety leaves. Each leave is conspicuously sub-divided by several longitu-dinal veins from which are branching smaller, vertical leaf nerves. The flowers con-sist of five bluish-purple pet-als. The stamens are thread-shaped and curved like horns.

Site:

Mainly situated in the north of the island, the Brazilian Spider Flower can be found in gardens and parks at an altitude of 200-700 m (220-765 yd.). It prefers a more shady and humid hab-itat. You may for example find various speci-mens in the Quinta do Santo da Serra ([196]).

Interesting to know:

The Brazilian Spider Flower is native to Brazil and the adjoining countries. Today it is a popu-lar ornamental plant in all tropical and subtrop-ical regions for its showy blossoms. The genus’ name derives from a denomination in a native Guiana language. It was introduced in litera-ture by the French natural scientist Aublet who visited Guiana in 1762. The genus Tibouchina consists of about 250 species, all of them con-taining plentiful aluminium. The Indian medi-cine appreciates the plant for its styptic effects.

37


In the Gardens

Popcorn Bush,

Peanut Butter Cassia

Senna didymobotrya

Bloom time

All year round, mainly in spring and summer.

Characteristics

The decorative shrub grows 1,5-3 m (5-13’) tall and has upright twigs at which extremes you find sever-al racemes of golden yellow blossoms at erect stalks. The brown buds open from bot-tom to top; a part of the bud remains closed for a long time. The large, evergreen leaves are monopinnate.

Site:

The Popcorn Bush is often cultivated on Madeira; most easily you will find it in the south of the island up to an altitude of 450 m (490 yd.). You may also frequently discov-er the plant not only in the city of Funchal, but also in Caniço and in Caniço de Baixo.

Interesting to know:

The Popcorn Bush is native to tropical East Af-rica. It is often mixed up with the Candle Bush. Anyway, the latter has yellow buds; thus the en-tire inflorescence seems to be made of wax. This plant is not cultivated on Madeira. A noticeable characteristic of the Popcorn Bush is the slight-ly unpleasant smell that is exuded by the leaves or by buds when crumbling them. This smell re-minds of rancid peanut butter or old popcorn.

38


In the Gardens

Lobster Claw, Parrot’s Beak

Clianthus puniceus

Bloom time

From March to May.

Characteristics

The shrub with a height up to 2 m (6,6‘) is easily mixed up with smaller specimens of the related Cock’s Comb Coral Tree (cf. p. 25). Anyway, Lob-ster Claw’s clusters of orange flowers hang downwards. Single blossoms remind of parrots’ beaks. The leaves are finely pinnate, the twigs are conspicuously curved.

Site:

On Madeira, Lobster Claw prefers altitudes of 350-700 m (385-765 yd.); anyway it can also be found at coastal levels. It is quite frequently cultivated in gardens, parks and at roadsides - among others mainly in Funchal and Caniço.

Interesting to know:

Lobster Claw is native to New Zealand. For overgrazing of its habitats it is nearly extinct there and ranges among the most threatened plant species of the world. Fortunately it can easily be cultivated. Especially in England it is very popular as an ornamental plant for its dense inflorescence. It tolerates light frost and can thus be grown outdoors. Moreover it is to be found in greenhouses of botanical gar-dens or in many private vineyards in Central Europe. As a climbing plant it is popular for being grown in hanging baskets or at trellis-es. Apart from specimens with orange flow-ers you can find cultivars in pink and white.


39


In the Gardens

Stiff Bottlebrush

Callistemon rigidus

Bloom time

From April to June.

Characteristics

The evergreen shrub grows 1-2 m (3,3-6,6‘) tall. Its leathery leaves emerge from the twigs like beaters. They remind of a conifer’s needles and scent aromatically when crumbling them. Stamens stick out from every single blossom; thus the shining red flower clus-ters resemble bottlebrushes.

Site:

On Madeira the Stiff Bottlebrush grows in coast-al areas. In the south it reaches up to an altitude of 450 m (490 yd.). Single specimens are deco-rating various parks and gardens. Among others you can find it in the Parque Santa Catarina ([198]) or close to the volcanic cave in São Vicente.

Interesting to know:

The Stiff Bottlebrush is native to Southeast Australia and adapted to frequent bush fires. The leaves contain ethereal oils and catch fire that fast that the oxygen is removed from the flame; the twigs hardly do not suffer any damage. The seeds stay with the plant for sev-eral years in cone-like groups. They only open and sprout after having been exposed to fire. As they grow among the ashes of a burnt off vegetation they scarcely have any rivals. The similar Weeping Bottlebrush is also cultivat-ed on Madeira. Its leaves are softer; the twigs hang down like those of a Weeping Willow.

40


In the Gardens

King Protea, Cape Artichoke Flower

Protea cynaroides

Bloom time:

From April to June.

Characteristics:

The plant grows 1-1,5 m (3,3 – 5’) tall. The leathery, spatula-shaped leaves are slightly crinkled and shine silvery. The calyces resemble artichokes or thistles. The outer bracts are coloured from violet to pink, the colour of the inner, tubular blooms ranges from a pale violet through green to silver.

Site:

In the Palheiro Gardens you will find King Proteas growing in two groups. Further protea species with blooms of different colours can be explored as well. Single specimens are to be found in the garden of the Quinta of Prazeres or close to the Quinta do Furão. At some places close to Camacha at an altitude of 400-700 m (440-765 yd.) or in the region above Calheta, proteas are cultivated for commercial purposes.

Interesting to know:

In the 20th century Mildred Blandy direct-ed Blandy’s Garden (currently known as the Palheiro Gardens) for five decades. She introduced Proteas to Madeira. She had raised in South Africa and thus felt a spe-cial affection for the flora of her motherland. After already being very fashionable in the 19th century, Proteas were rediscovered as cut flowers in the last years. Having been dried they stay attractive for several months.


41


In the Gardens

Lesser Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea glabra

Bloom time

All year round, mainly in early summer.

Characteristics

The thorny climbing plant grows up to 25 m (28 yd.) tall on (building) walls. The leaves don’t carry hairs. The actual blooms are yellowish and very small. Shining, purple red, oval-tapered bracts surround each three of them. There are cultivars with varying colours.

Site:

For aesthetic purposes, canalized riverbeds in Funchal and Santa Cruz are covered with wires on which are growing Bougainvillea plants. They also grow on other sites and are among the most popular ornamental plants on Madei-ra for their abundance of flowers. Up to an altitude of 450 m (490 yd.) and especially in the south you can find them nearly everywhere.

Interesting to know:

Although to a smaller extent, the similar Great Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) is also cultivated on Madeira. It has hairy leaves and purple-red, heart-shaped petals. Crossbreeding of the two species allowed to develop specimens of various colours (purple, pink, orange, white). The botanical denomination reminds of the French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville. The Bougainvilleas were discovered on an ex-cursion to Brazil 1766-1769 that was led by him.

42


In the Gardens

Gold Cup, Chalice Vine

Solandra maxima

Bloom time

All year round, except sum-mer.

Characteristics

The woody climber plant reaches up to 12 m (13 yd.) tall. The leathery leaves are elliptical and short-ta-pered. A very conspicuous feature are the yellow, fun-nel-shaped flowers. The calyx is curved outwards to form a broad, five-lobed hem. A purple-brown ridge runs into the centre of the funnel.

Site:

As it grows very tall in a short time, the plant is mostly cultivated in larger gardens and parks. On Madeira you will often see it in the south, up to an altitude of 350 m (385 yd.). There are for example several specimens to be found in Funchal in the park of the Quinta Vigia ([198]) or in the Botanical Garden ([190]).

Interesting to know:

The Gold Cup is native to the American tropics. The still closed buds contain water that is used there by traditional medicine to treat conjunc-tivitis. However, the plant itself is poisonous. The Indians used it for the production of intox-icating drugs. In nature, Gold Cup is pollinated by bats. Thus the blossoms open in the evening - and that fast that you can watch them de-veloping. Another typical characteristic for flowers that attract bats is the mawkish scent that is much more intense during night hours.

43


In the Gardens

Golden Shower,

Orange Trumpet Vine

Pyrostegia venusta

Bloom Time

From November to February.

Characteristics

This climber develops up to 10 m (11 yd.) long shoots. The leaves are mostly organized threefold; they are elliptic to longish with a lopsided basis. At the bottom, the leaves are covered with red-brown hairs. The shining blossoms hang down in dense panicles that reach up to 6 cm (2,5‘‘) long and resemble tubes or funnels.

Site:

On Madeira, the Golden Shower is most likely to be cultivated on walls, fences and pergolas. It grows mainly in the south of the island, up to an altitude of about 350 m (385 yd.). You will often find it both in private gardens and in pub-lic parks (e.g. Botanical Garden, Funchal, [190]).

Interesting to know:

The Golden Shower is native to Brazil. Now-adays it is cultivated globally in tropical and subtropical countries. Golden Shower is part of the Bignonia family (Bignoniaceae). The Cape Honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis), plant native to South Africa, which blossoms all year round, is as well assigned to this group. You can also find this poorly climbing shrub being cultivated on Madeira, often next to the Golden Show-er. Its leaves are organized in groups of 6-9; its blossoms are also forming dense panicles. They grow upright and open to showy funnels.

44


In the Gardens

Mexican Bread fruit

Monstera deliciosa

Bloom time

From June to September.

Characteristics

Branches of this climber can be more than 10 m (11 yd.) tall and develop numerous aerial roots. The giant leaves are firstly heart-shaped, later they become perforated with holes or pinnately lobed. The cream-coloured spadix is up to 25 cm (10‘‘) long and half cov-ered with a thick, white bract.

Site:

In the south of Madeira you will frequently see the Mexican Bread Fruit in various parks and private gardens up to an altitude of 400 m (440 yd.). You can for example encounter it in the Jardim Municipal ([198]) and in the Botanical Garden ([190]) in Funchal. It does not only climb along trees but also along walls and fences.

Interesting to know:

The plant is native to Mexico. In summer, the plant develops an edible spadix out of each in-florescence. In Portugal, this fruit is called “fruto delicioso” (delicious fruit) and valued as a deli-cacy. The spadix consists of numerous fleshy, hexagonal cells that mature little by little from the bottom to the top. The taste ranges be-tween a banana and a pineapple. Nevertheless you have to take care: the fruit contains oxalic acid that might cause irritations of the mucous membrances. On the market in Funchal the fruits are offered to the tourist for tidy prices.


45


In the Gardens

Fan Aloe

Aloe plicatilis

Bloom time

April and May.

Characteristics

The plant only grows up to 2 m (6,6‘) tall but develops a thick trunk from which emerge numerous branch-es with a crest of long, fleshy, grey-green leaves at the end of each. The leaves are organized in two oppo-site files. The red racemes resemble pointed cones and grow upright on thin stalks.

Site:

The Fan Aloe origins from South Africa. In the south of Madeira it is cultivated up to an altitude of 400 m (440 yd.) and decorates both private gar-dens and parks. Some especially beautiful spec-imens are growing in the succulent plants sec-tion in the Botanical Garden ([190]) of Funchal.

Interesting to know:

The Fan Aloe was already introduced to Europe in the 17th century and since then has been very popular as a container plant. Outdoors it only flourishes all year round in habitats without any frost. Together with Barbados Aloe ([85]), the Fan Aloe counts among the species from which aloe resin is extracted. The resin is produced by squeezing the sap from the leaves and thickening it. Mixed with sulphuric acid the aloe resin can be employed as dye. Occasionally it is still used as a laxative. For this effect it was indispensable in former times when defeca-tion was the basis of every medical treatment.


46


In the Gardens

Sword Aloe

Aloe arborescens

Bloom time

From October to February.

Characteristics

The slender, fleshy leaves have serrated margins. They are organized in dense rosettes with a diameter of about 50 cm (20‘‘). Several rosettes are situated on each of the short, branched trunks. Long stalks with various cone-shaped, shining red flowers emerge out of every rosette.

Site:

In the southern coastal regions the Sword Aloe is one of the most popular ornamen-tal plants lining the roadsides (up to an alti-tude of 600 m (656 yd.), although mostly on a lower level). It is often cultivated in gar-dens, parks and around special points of view. Sometimes it becomes wild in fallow land.

Interesting to know:

The Sword Aloe is native to South Africa. The remaining 200 Aloe species are also originating from Africa, Madagascar and Arabia. Although on the first sight you may observe a striking sim-ilarity with Agaves, the two genera are only dis-tant relatives. The latter’s habitat is restricted on the regions between the south of the U. S. A. and South America. Anyway, both genera were lead independently to similar adaptations and to a similar outer appearance by comparable living conditions in interim habitats between savannah and desert (thorn bush savannah).

47


In the Gardens

Bear’s Breech

Acanthus mollis

Bloom time

From May to July.

Characteristics

The herbal plant develops candle-shaped inflorescences that grow up to 1 m (3,3‘) tall. The tongue-shaped single blooms are whitish with pur-ple veins. The superior lobe of the calyx is remarkably enlarged. The large, dark green leaves are strongly lobed and have substantial leaf veins.

Site:

You will mostly find Bear’s Breech in gardens in the south of the island, up to an altitude of 600 m (655 yd.). It often grows wild along streets or levadas. You can see numerous specimens in the Palheiro Gardens at the entrance to the Camellia Avenue. You will also encounter it in Camacha.

Interesting to know:

The Bear’s Breech is native to the Mediterra-nean region and Asia Minor. As those of the Spiny Bear’s Breech (Acanthus spinosus), its leaves served as models for the ornaments at the pillar capitals of the Corinthian temple in ancient Greek. Later this symbol of fertil-ity was taken over by the Romans. Since the 15th century it has been picked up again and again in European architecture. On Madei-ra you may often find it in form of ceramic sculptures on the corners of old houses’ tiled roofs. They symbolize the large number of chil-dren that shall be bestowed upon the family.


48


In the Gardens

Rosea Ice Plant

Drosanthemum floribundum

Bloom time

From April to July.

Characteristics