Plant species

Tenerife's botanical diversity is a reflection of its varied geography, climate and geological conditions. The Island is home to many expanses of laurel forest, a living relic from the Tertiary Period.

Canarian foxglove

This plant, with its brightly coloured leaves and bright red flowers, is locally known as the cock's crest (Isoplexis canariensis) and is endemic to…

Canarian palm

The majestic Canarian palm tree (Phoenix canariensis) can grow to heights of up to 30 m (100 ft) and is an endemic species and symbol of the Canary…

Canarian pine

The Canarian pine tree (Pinus canariensis) is endemic to the archipelago and covers vast stretches of land in the mountains of Tenerife. Their main…

Cardons

In shape, cardons (Euphorbia canariensis) look curiously like candelabras adorning the south and the hillsides of Tenerife, which is where they are…

Chain fern

The humidity that reigns in Tenerife's laurel forests creates the ideal habitat for the chain fern (Woodwardia radicans), a type of fern that lays a…

Dragon tree

Together with the blue chaffinch, the dragon tree (Dracaena draco) is one of Tenerife's symbols and has inspired many a legend and tale. This…

Flixweed

Flixweed (Descurainia bourgaeana) is an endemic type of plant that grows in Las Cañadas del Teide in Tenerife. Although this bush is already easily…

Laurel forests

Some areas of the Canary Islands are still home to a prehistoric natural treasure: laurel forests that have survived here since the Tertiary Period.…

Malva de risco

Malva de risco (Lavatera acerifolia) is an endemic shrub growing in the Canary Islands in dry and sunny areas at altitudes of 200 to 500 m (655 to…

Mato blanco

Mato blanco (Pericallis cruenta) is a species of shrub that thrives in the most humid areas in northern Tenerife, especially in La Esperanza, La…

Red bugloss

The curious shape of the red bugloss (Echium wildpretii) and its bright flowers stand out against the volcanic landscape of Las Cañadas del Teide, the…

Sweet tabaiba

The sweet tabaiba plant (Euphorbia balsamífera) grows mostly in the coastal areas in the south of Tenerife, especially during the autumn and winter…