Madeira Calendula, Calendula maderensis, is a rare herbaceous plant endemic to Madeira Archipelago. Its bright yellow flowers look like a chrysanthemum though each of its petals have like two small cuts on its tip. Its fruits, inside the flower, seem like smaller star shaped flowers. This Madeira flora species which belong to the sunflowers family (Asteraceae) blooms from December to June and it can grow up to 80 centimeters high.

In Madeira, Laurel Forest is also known as the water forest due to its capacity to absorb much water, specially from fog condensation. Around 80% of the water absorbed by Laurel trees and heathers is originated from the fog condensation on these species leaves and this makes this forest the main water resource of Madeira.

Being Madeira such a touristy destination, mainly due to its fantastic nature and landscapes, protecting the Forest and saving water are two fundamental actions to preserve the environment. And this is something that must be done globally, not only in Madeira!

Small steps like recycling paper, plastic. glass and batteries; turning off tap water while brushing the teeth; taking shower instead of taking bath, not using wood chopsticks when going to Chinese restaurants; reusing plastic bags or containers... We all know these small steps, we just need to act and start walking towards Earth Conservation!

The Clethra arborea species is one the the native flora species that belongs to the Laurel Forest. It is usually a short tree though sometimes it can reach 8 meters of height. Its main habitat is above 600 meters and on the most humid areas of Laurissilva. The Lyly-of-the-valley tree has commonly has a straight trunk, big dark green leaves and fragrant white bell shape flowers which broom on bunches from August to October.

The botanical garden was planted in 1960 in Quinta do Bom Sucesso. Situated between 200 and 300 meters of altitude, 3 km far from Funchal downtown, it is not only a scientific study centre of Madeira flora but also a nice place to rest and sightseeing Funchal. The entrance on this garden is paid and includes a visit to the Natural History Museum inside it. Here one may observe most of the endemic, indigenous and exotic species of Madeira Nature.

Madeira Mahogany Persea indica is an originary tree from Madeira, Canary Islands and Azores. It belongs to the Lauraceae family which was in the origin of the name of Laurel Forest. The Madeira Mahogany, also known as Royal Laurel, grows on altitudes between 500 to 1700 meters and it can get from 5 to 15 meters high.

This flora species is easily identified when young by the red color under its levees. Between June and November, depending on the altitude, it is possible to observe the whitish flowers of this Laurel tree.