This is a rare look at the beautiful Echium vulcanorum. It is found only in one spot on earth - the small, volcanic island of Fogo, 400 miles off the coast of West Africa. This large, attractive shrub lights up with hundreds of white and blue flowers. It is an endangered species that is facing many threats, including humans, animals, and an active volcano!
Echium vulcanorum is a woody, perennial bush that grows to 7 feet tall and wide if left un- pruned. It has leathery, silver-green leaves which lack the bristly, irritating hairs found on many Echium species. Flowers can appear throughout the year, but the heaviest show is in Spring, when the plant becomes covered with large, cone-shaped clusters of blossoms. Each funnel-shaped flower is just under an inch long, and is pearly white with streaks of blue emanating from the center. The blooms are much loved by honeybees. Many Echium species only flower once and then die, but Echium vulcanorum is a long-lived species that blooms well for many years. Its population has been greatly reduced on the island due to harvesting it for firewood, and feral goats that ravage the plants. The last remaining plants are found near the opening of an active volcano, which occasionally erupts with hot lava.
Echium vulcanorum is a woody, perennial bush that grows to 7 feet tall and wide if left un- pruned. It has leathery, silver-green leaves which lack the bristly, irritating hairs found on many Echium species. Flowers can appear throughout the year, but the heaviest show is in Spring, when the plant becomes covered with large, cone-shaped clusters of blossoms. Each funnel-shaped flower is just under an inch long, and is pearly white with streaks of blue emanating from the center. The blooms are much loved by honeybees. Many Echium species only flower once and then die, but Echium vulcanorum is a long-lived species that blooms well for many years. Its population has been greatly reduced on the island due to harvesting it for firewood, and feral goats that ravage the plants. The last remaining plants are found near the opening of an active volcano, which occasionally erupts with hot lava.
Echium vulcanorum
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