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
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
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]