Atlantic Islands Border This collection includes rare and endangered species from Crete, the Atlantic Islands, Maderia and the Canary Islands. Plants include species of Argyranthemum, Lavandula, Lotus, the impressive Echium pininiana with its 8-foot blue flower spikes and the rare Echium wildpretii from the top of the volcano (Mount Teide) in Tenerife. Many of these species only thrive here thanks to the Gardens unique microclimate. Chelsea Physic Garden and other botanic gardens grow these island species in order to conserve and protect this unique flora. Seeds are freely swapped and exchanged annually via the Index Seminum 2017. You can find a number of the more tender plants from these islands in our Atlantic Islands Glasshouse. Read more about our Glasshouses here.