Erva-branca, abrotona (Teucrium betonicum)

Small shrub, up to 1 m, with more or less woody branches that tend to be erect. Leaves up to 12 cm long and 4 cm wide, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, with crenate or dentate margins, light green on the top and whitish beneath. Flowers are purple and clustered in dense axillary and terminal racemes. Endemic to the island of Madeira, typical of thermophile areas of evergreen forests and higher zones, grows on moderately steep hillsides and prefers open areas and clearings. Fairly common in several locations and not considered endangered. Great potential as an ornamental because of its striking dense flowers, but little used in horticulture.