Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
&
Quinta do Palheiro
Top 10 Madeiran
Plants and Flowers
!
King Protea
Ferreiro, Palheiro Ferreiro
Subtropical plants in unusual and
imaginative combinations are dis-
played in a style that is recogniz-
ably English
(see pp24-5)
.
*
Jardim Botânico, Funchal
These South African plants,
similar to giant artichokes, are
in demand for flower displays.
@
Slipper Orchid
Mainly flowering in the
winter months, slipper orchids
need jungle-like shade.
These extraordinary gardens
are a showcase for Madeira's
varied plant life
(see pp20-21).
(
Hospício Princesa Dona
#
Mexican Poinsettia
These festive plants
bloom right on cue for Christ-
mas; note that the showy,
scarlet part is actually the
bract, not the flower.
$
Aloe
Maria Amélia, Funchal
Popular for wedding photos, this
hospital was founded in memory
of Brazilian princess Maria
Amélia, who died here in 1853.
d
Avenida do Infante • Map Q1 • Free
Fleshy leaves edged with
spines produce flower spikes
up to 1 m (3 ft) high. The sap
is harvested, and used in mak-
ing aloe vera skin products.
)
Quinta Palmeira, Funchal
Despite being blighted by
one of Funchal's new fast high-
ways, this former home of the
Gordon wine family hovers
between garden and wilderness,
with manicured rose gardens,
tiled fountains, and grottoes and
jungle-like areas yet to be
restored. Don't miss the 15th-
century Columbus Window, res-
cued from the home of João
Esmeraldo.
d
Rua da Levada de Santa
Luzia 31A • Map G6 • 291 221 091 •
9am-noon, 2-5pm Mon-Fri • Adm charge
%
Agapanthus
The blue-and-white globe-
shaped blossoms of the Lily
of the Nile line Madeira's
roadside banks in summer.
^
Strelitzia
Is it a bird or is it a plant?
These long-lived flowers look
like exotic birds of paradise.
&
Angel's Trumpet
White, yellow or amber,
the datura's long trumpets
both smell and look beautiful.
*
Arum Lily
Pure white and sweetly
scented, these flowers
symbolize the Virgin Mary
and virginity.
(
Flame of the Forest
Crowned by orange-red
coxcombs, these trees are
descended from seed brought
to Madeira by Captain Cook
in 1772.
)
Jacaranda
Funchal's Avenida Arriaga
turns into a river of blue when
these striking Brazilian trees
flower in spring.
Columbus Window, Quinta Palmeira
45
