AN ECHIUM pinniana, also known as blue steeple, has been put forward for the honour of being the tallest plant in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Louie Lloyd, of Penarth, said his blue steeple currently stands at 174 inches.

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Mr Lloyd said: “Echiums are a genus of around 70 species.

“I currently have two types growing in my garden.

“They are bi-annular and sometimes tri-annular,

“At 14 1/2 feet it is a monster producing very tiny flowers followed by tiny seeds.

“They are ‘Monsters of the Mediterranean’.

“Who would have thought they would be growing right here in the Vale?

“Over the past two years I have seen more and more popping up.”