Madeira is renowned for great outdoor gardens, full of plants just like the ones people grow in pots in their living room, back in mainland Europe. But in the warm Mediterranean climate innocent potted plants turn out to be not-so-innocent, monstrous trees or giant shrubs. Such is the case of Poinsettia, the red-leaved decorative flower popular in Europe at Christmas. In the outdoors, this innocent beauty can grow up to 4 meters tall. So if you’re spending Christmas in Madeira, rather than putting a Christmas Plant in the middle of your dining table, you can put the table underneath it, and enjoy the sight of a blue sky spotted with fiery red flowers ;)
