Macaronesia is the name given to the groups of Islands which scatter across the centre of the Atlantic. One such group is the Canary Islands which boasts the greatest variety of flora. Throughout the Canaries there is a mixture of endemic and cultivated plants, tropical and sub-tropical.
The largest of the Canary Islands is Tenerife, which although by most standards a small island it does carry a rich diversity of plant life. One of the reasons for this diversity is the climate. Tenerife’s climate is remarkably varied for such a small island, apparently caused by the winds being affected by the rugged contours of the land. There are reported to be some 140 plant species thriving on the Island thanks to the climate and variety of volcanic soils.
For anyone interested in wildlife or flora there is are many treats awaiting them on Tenerife. Although the south of the island is quite dry and barren the rest of Tenerife has a wide variety of plant life to marvel at.
The unusual Red Tajinaste, which flowers in late spring and the Las Canadas are among the most spectacular examples. The flowering Teide wall flower or Codesco spread a fantastic yellow carpet...