The endemic caulirosetted microphanerophytes
[with a rosette of leaves on
top of a long woody few-branched naked
stem] – e.g. Euphorbia mellifera, Isoplexis
sceptrum, Melanoselinum decipens,
Musschia wollastonii and Sonchus
fruticosus – are among the most striking
plants of Madeira Island. They are often
found in the "levadas" artificial system of
channels that runs through the Ocotea
foetens forest [Clethro arboreae-Ocoteetum
foetentis]. These plants organize
themselves in a particular phytocoenosis
– Isoplexido sceptri-Euphorbietum melliferae
ass. nova. – that reflects a worldwide
recurrent phenomenon in forest
ecosystems: the presence of plants
adapted to cuts in the continuous crown
layer of dense forest, such as dry ravines,
forest clearings produced by tempests,
landslides and other natural
disturbances. "Levadas" are artificial
simulations of these natural habitats.
