DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Pride of Madeira Echium candicans Victorian Alert Weed Fact Sheet Plant biology Type of weed: Garden escape. Lifeform: Semi-woody biennial herb. Description: Stems: Pride of Madeira is a much-branched plant that grows to more than three metres high (PIER 2004; Webb et al 2004). The stem, fl owers and leaves of the plant are covered with fi ne, bristly, whitish coloured hairs (Spencer 2005). The species initially grows as a rosette at the base with leaves alternately arranged on the stem (Richardson et al 2006). Mature plants have longer stems with whitish papery bark and stout branches, with leaves growing more towards the stem’s apex (Bennett 2003). Image: RG & FJ Richardson - www.weedinfo.com.au Image: RG & FJ Richardson - www.weedinfo.com.au Image: RG & FJ Richardson Leaves: Leaves are usually 200 mm long and 55 mm wide and are an ellipsoid or lance shape. Botanical name: Echium candicans. Leaves have veins which are very prominent on Synonyms: Echium fastuosum. the lower surface and the leaves are densely covered with bristly hairs that appear grey or Common name: Pride of Madeira. silvery (Spencer 2005; Webb et al 2004). Alternatives: Tower of jewels, star of Madeira, bugloss. Family: Boraginaceae. Flowers: E. candicans is a monocarpic shrub, Relevant relatives: There are over 40 species in the Echium meaning it only fl owers once before dying genus and 30 are listed as being weedy by the Global Compendium (Bennett 2003). Each branch can reach up to of Weeds (Randall 2001). Closely related plants to pride of Madeira 3.5 metres tall with the columnar fl ower spike include Echium wildpretii (tower of jewels) and Echium pininana reach lengths of 200-400 mm (Webb et al 2004). (giant viper’s bugloss), both of which are Victorian Alert Weeds. Each fl ower spike consists of thousands of tiny Common invasive relatives include Echium plantagineum (Paterson’s fl owers which range in colour from blue to violet curse). and in some ornamental varieties, white. Fruits: Following fl owering, each of the thousands of individual fl owers produce a four segmented fruit called a nutlet. When the fruits are ripe, they slipt into these four nutlets which can then release the seed. Seeds: A single 2-3 mm long seed is contained within each of the four nutlets, meaning each fl ower spike can produce hundreds and thousands of seeds (Webb et al 2004). The seeds have poorly developed wings that may help the seed to be wind dispersed over short distances (Lems 1960). Roots: The root system of E. candicans must be robust as it supports numerous long fl ower stems, some of which can reach 3.5 metres in length. Weed Alert! Pride of Madeira Echium candicans Victorian Alert Weeds Importance & impacts Impacts: Ecosystems, waterways and agriculture: What are Victorian Alert Weeds? Pride of Madeira is an aggressive plant that can establish dominant stands, particularly in open Victorian Alert Weeds are potential weeds of the forest and coastal environments. This species future. They may pose a serious threat to Victoria’s can suppress the growth of surrounding plants agricultural and natural assets or could affect by secreting chemical deterrents which prevent human health. Some of these weeds are thought surrounding plants from establishing and growing to occur in small numbers in Victoria and are still (Marrero-Gomez et al 2000). Pride of Madeira may eradicable. Other species are yet to reach Victoria, reduce the biodiversity and dramatically alter the but present a serious threat if they were to arrive. visual appeal and fl oristic structure of natural and Weed Spotters help the Department of Primary coastal areas. Other species in the Echium genus Industries validate the distribution of these weeds. such as Paterson’s curse are major problems for Weed Spotters are individuals trained to look for agriculture. and report high priority Weed Alert species in Victoria. They are recruited from the community, Social value and health impacts: government or industry. Echiums produce a large amount of nectar for bees and pollinators (Robinson 1992) and they may be viewed as a resource by apiarists (bee keepers). Pride of Madeira may be poisonous if consumed and the plant is covered with bristles which may irritate the skin if the plant is touched (Bennett 2003). Health hazards: The leaves, stems and fl ower Why is this species a spikes of E. candicans have bristles which may be irritating to some people (Bennett 2003). Pride of Victorian Alert Weed? Madeira may also be toxic to animals and people if Echium candicans is a popular ornamental plant the plant is consumed and caution should be taken and given its presence in many gardens across when handling plants. Australia, it is a potential garden escape. Pride of Madeira is a fast growing plant that not Importance: only reproduces via seed, but also reproduces Weed legislative status: Echium candicans is vegetatively from broken stem and root not listed as a noxious weed in any Australian state fragments. Once established, this species forms or territory. dense stands that can displace native plants and Signifi cance of the weed in Australia: Echium animals and reduce the biodiversity of infested candicans is a common garden plant and has been areas. In addition, many of the Echium genus have recorded in most States and Territories of Australia. toxic properties and E. candicans may impact on The distribution of naturalised (wild) populations of the health of humans and animals. Early detection this plant in Australia is diffi cult to determine, and of pride of Madeira through the Weed Spotter the Weed Spotter network will help to validate how network may help prevent this species from common naturalised populations are in Victoria. spreading in Victoria. Permitted/prohibited entry into Australia: Echium candicans plants and seed are permitted entry into Australia, subject to certain conditions. For more information see the AQIS ICON import conditions database at www.daffa.gov.au/aqis/import/icon-icd or call 1800 020 504. Victorian Weed Risk Assessment: E. candicans is considered to be a high weed risk for Victoria because, like the related E. pininana, it has the ability to produce massive amounts of viable seed and has a tendency to form dense stands once it becomes established. E. candicans prefers to grow in forested and coastal areas and it threatens the native fl ora and fauna found within these sensitive ecosystems. Growth & spread Reproduction and dispersal: The main Origin: Madeira and Canary Islands (situated off mode of reproduction for E. candicans is via the west coast of Portugal/Africa). abundant seed production. The sexes are separate, but female plants can self fertilise to produce Where it grows: In its home range, E. candicans viable seed (Bennett 2003). The plant can also prefers coastal and open forest habitats (Bennett reproduce vegetatively via stem or root fragments 2003). In California, where pride of Madeira has that grow into new plants. Offspring can show been introduced, populations of the species have different structural characteristics, which indicates been reported growing in grassland, scrubland, hybridisation may be occurring (Spencer 2005). coastal hillside scrub, roadsides, urban areas, riparian scrub and woodland habitats (Calfl ora Rate of growth and spread: Pride of Madeira, 2003). E. candicans is drought tolerant and can like many other Echium species, is a quick growing survive in poor quality soils (Calfora 2003), which plant. In its fi rst year, E. candicans usually spends gives it the potential to grow in a variety of regions its growing time as a rosette of leaves. In the in Victoria. second and subsequent years it develops semi- woody stems and fl ower stalks. Seed bank/propagule persistence: There is limited information available on the seed of pride of Madeira. The close relative, E. pininana (giant viper’s bugloss), produces more than 200,000 seeds per fl owering event and usually has just one fl ower spike. Given E. candicans has numerous large fl ower spikes, we could assume that E. candicans may have even greater reproductive potential than its close relative. Growth calendar Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Flowering Seeding Germination Flower stem growth Notes: Growth calendar is broadly based on behaviour and timing of plant changes, either from overseas populations, or from limited populations in Australia. Actual behaviour of plants may differ, depending on climate and geographical location. Weedy distribution in Australia and Introductory pathway to Australia: Pride of overseas: In Australia, pride of Madeira is Madeira is an attractive ornamental, often favoured popular in gardens and has been recognised as a for its colourful fl owers. The species is available potential garden escape, especially given the weedy from some nurseries and people may purchase record of other Echium species (Richardson et al and plant this potential weed in their garden, from 2006). Overseas, pride of Madeira is considered to which it may escape, naturalise and spread. Given be a weed in South Africa, the United States and its popularity as a garden plant, E. candicans may New Zealand. enter the country in peoples’ luggage or through the mail system. Seeds may also be accidentally brought into the country on clothing, shoes and equipment. Within Australia, plants are likely to spread from seeds on clothing, equipment and vehicles, or from people buying plants or taking cuttings from infested sites to be planted in their own garden. It may also be spread in dumped garden waste and contaminated soil. Pride of Madeira Echium candicans Choosing alternative species When choosing an alternative plant, attempt to source local native (indigenous) species from a nursery/garden centre in your area.