Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Echium pininana Webb & Berthel., Hist. Nat. Îles Canaries 3, 44–45, pl. 146 (1844)
Vernacular Name(s):
Giant bugloss
 Description

Giant, monocarpic, hispid herb to c. 5 m high. Stem elongating before flowering and forming a trunk of 1–2 m below fls which becomes leafless and woody. Lvs at first in basal rosette, to 80 × 10 cm, ± oblong; base attenuate to short petiole; apex very long-acuminate; midrib prominently raised below. Panicle eventually 2–3 m high, with many densely arranged lateral branches each bearing a number of pedunculate, bracteate cymes. Calyx 4–6 mm long at anthesis, irregular with 4 lanceolate or lanceolate-ovate sepals and 1 larger, ovate, anterior sepal. Corolla 1.2–1.5 cm long, pink in bud, opening to light blue; upper lobes slightly larger. Stamens long-exserted, filiform, usually pink in upper part. Nutlets 2–3 mm long, prominently lobed and tuberculate towards base.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Oct.–Dec.

 Bibliography
Bryant, G. 1996: Rare and Unusual Plants for New Zealand Gardens. David Bateman, Auckland.
Webb, P.B.; Berthelot, S. 1844–1850: Histoire Naturelle des Îles Canaries /Histoire Naturelle des Iles Canaries, ...Tome troisieme [Botanique] pt. 2. Phytographia Canariensis. sectio 3. Bethune, Paris.