Family: Violaceae Batsch
Distribution: Endemic plant of Madeira.
Ecology: Rocky slopes of the highest parts of central mountains in Madeira. It grows from 1600 to 1800 metres above sea level. Flowers from May to July.
Description: A perennial herb with a prostrate to suberect stem, up to 30 cm tall. The basal leaves are petiolate, blade is ovate to ovate-orbicular, up to 1,5 cm long, crenate. Upper leaves are elongated to spatulated. Flowers are solitary and axillary. Bright yellow corolla with black veins, 2–2,5 cm long, the lower petal largest.
Threat and protection: Protected by the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Berne Convention).
These images were taken in Portugal, Madeira, Pico do Gato (May 15, 2006).
