From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans) is a large biennial or more commonly perennial members of the Echium genus. It is endemic to the island of Madeira but is widely distributed throughout the world as an ornamental and garden plant. In New Zealand is is a common garden escape onto road-side verges and shingle banks in northern South Island (and probably elsewhere).
In the first year after generation the plant produces a broad rosette of leaves. In the second and subsequent years more or less woody flowering stalks are produces clothed in rough leaves. The flower head is large covered with blue flowers having red stamens. The flowers are much visited by honey bees and the honey from such visits prized for its flavour.
