Referring back to the tall echium plants shown in this blog entry: https://lamefrogapplause.
In addition to being susceptible to branching in ways they can't ultimately support (especially the hybrids), echiums are also susceptible to cresting or fasciation, a condition of unusual growth that can be triggered by hormones, diseases, infections, and even by insects damaging the growth zone at the tip of a flower stalk.
The first photo shows a normal (left) and fasciated (right) tree echium (Echium pininana) at Jenner, California. This is one of the parent species of my biennial hybrids. Note that the flowers on the fasciated plant are all on the top edge of what appears to be a wide sheet of tissue.
The second photo shows a different species, called pride of Madeira (Echium candicans) at Stinson Beach, California. This species is a perennial shrub. Normal flower heads can be seen on the plant at the right side of the photo. The fasciated plant on the left shows several different kinds of unusual growth and development.
-Randy B.
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