As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can provide you with some insights into the invasiveness of the Tower of Jewels, also known as the Pride of Madeira. This beautiful plant, scientifically known as Echium candicans, is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its striking purple-blue flower spikes and its ability to thrive in coastal areas with minimal water.
In its native habitat of the Madeira Islands, the Tower of Jewels is not considered invasive. However, when introduced to regions with similar climates, such as California, it has thrived to such an extent that it is now regarded as an invasive species. The plant’s ability to tolerate drought and poor soil conditions, combined with its prolific self-seeding, allows it to spread rapidly and outcompete native vegetation.
One of the main reasons for the Tower of Jewels’ invasive behavior is its ability to produce a large number of seeds. Each flower spike can produce thousands of tiny seeds, which are easily dispersed by wind, water, and animals. These seeds can then germinate and establish new plants in a variety of habitats, including disturbed areas, coastal cliffs, and open spaces.
Once established, the Tower of Jewels can quickly form dense stands, crowding out native plants and disrupting local ecosystems. Its large size (reaching up to 6 feet in height) and dense foliage create shade, further inhibiting the growth of other plant species. This can have negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.
In my personal experience, I have witnessed the invasiveness of the Tower of Jewels in coastal areas of California. Its ability to grow in sandy, nutrient-poor soils and withstand harsh coastal conditions makes it a formidable competitor against native plants. I have seen it take over large areas, transforming once-diverse habitats into monocultures dominated by this invasive species.
Efforts have been made to control the spread of the Tower of Jewels in California through manual removal, herbicide application, and promoting the growth of native plants to outcompete it. However, due to its adaptability and prolific seed production, complete eradication is challenging.
The Tower of Jewels, or Pride of Madeira, is indeed considered invasive in regions with similar climates to its native habitat. Its ability to tolerate drought, poor soil conditions, and produce numerous seeds allows it to rapidly spread and outcompete native vegetation. Its invasiveness has been observed in coastal areas of California, where it has transformed ecosystems and posed challenges for restoration efforts.
