Echium hypertropicum | |
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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
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Binomial name | |
Echium hypertropicum
Webb, 1849
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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]
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]
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]
Echium hypertropicum occurs on the islands of Santiago and Brava. [2] It mainly occurs in sub-humid and humid zones. [1]