A dark "shape" has appeared in the right of the webcam's field of vision, outside the Carvoeiro Sol Hotel. Has a tree been planted there, and if so, which variety is it?

yup, that is a part of the new flowery decoration that has been erected on Carvoeiro square - sort of a friendly reminder, that the local authorities do care about preservation

I am not quite sure, but I beleive they are plastic??