Echium hypertropicum

Echium hypertropicum is a species of flowering plants of the family Boraginaceae. The species is endemic to Cape Verde.[2] It is listed as an endangered plant by the IUCN.[1][3]

Echium hypertropicum
Echium hypertropicum at Ribeira Principal in Santiago Island
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Boraginales
Family: Boraginaceae
Genus: Echium
Species:
E. hypertropicum
Binomial name
Echium hypertropicum
Webb, 1849

Its local name is língua-de-vaca (cow tongue), a name that may also refer to the related species Echium vulcanorum and Echium stenosiphon.[4] The oil of its seeds contains γ-linolenic acid, and is used for medicinal and dietary purposes.[5]

Echium hypertropicum near Ribeira Principal in Santiago

Description

The plant can reach 2 m height. Its leaves are lance-shaped and can be up to 20 cm long. Its flowers are whitish, purplish or bluish.[4] Old plants higher than 0.5–1 m are extremely rare today.[3]

Distribution and ecology

Echium hypertropicum occurs on the islands of Santiago and Brava.[2] It mainly occurs in sub-humid and humid zones.[1]

References
  1. Catarino, S., Duarte, M.C. & Romeiras, M.M. (2017). "Diplotaxis gorgadensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T107425921A107468167. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T107425921A107468167.en.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. Oromí, Martín, Zurita & Cabrera, 2005 : Lista preliminar de especies silvestres de Cabo Verde: Hongos, Plantas y Animales Terrestres. Gobierno de Canarias, Consejería de Medio Ambiente y Ordenación Territorial, p. 41
  3. Romeiras, Maria M.; Cotrim, Helena C.; Duarte, Maria C.; Pais, Maria S. (2007). "Genetic diversity of three endangered species of Echium L. (Boraginaceae) endemic to Cape Verde Islands". Biodiversity and Conservation. Springer. 16: 547–566. doi:10.1007/s10531-006-6734-0.
  4. Plantas endémicas e arvores indígenas de Cabo Verde
  5. Gomes, Alda Roque; Vasconcelos, Teresa; Almeida, Helena Guimarães de (31 October 2008). "Plantas na medicina tradicional de Cabo Verde" [Traditional Medicinal Plants in Cape Verde] (PDF) (in Portuguese). Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterapêuticas nos Trópicos, IICT/CCCM. p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2016.

Further reading
  • Schmidt, Johann Anton (1852). Beiträge zur Flora der Cap Verdischen Inseln. p. 66.
  • The endemic vascular plants of the Cape Verde Islands, W Africa, Sommerfeltia 24, 1997, C. Brochmann, Ø. H. Rustan, W. Lobin & N. Kilian, ISSN 0800-6865, ISBN 82-7420-033-0
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