Tenerife plant base
Our own database: garden plants with growing conditions and wild species of the island from Cabildo de Tenerife data.
Found: 178 / 178
Aderno (Heberdenia excelsa)Heberdenia excelsaA shade-loving laurel-forest species of slopes and cliffs within the forest.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0
African tulip treeSpathodea campanulataA tropical species of warm savannas. Drought resistant; needs full sun to flower well. Adapts to different soils, growing fastest in rich soil with plenty of water.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Shagil Kannur, CC BY-SA 4.0
AgapanthusAgapanthus africanusHardy to -5 °C
Light: sun / partial shade. Watering: low. Soil: any well-drained.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · North coast
With watering: South, 300–1000 m · South coast
Photo: Denis Conrado, CC BY-SA 3.0
AnthuriumAnthurium andraeanumHardy to 10 °C
Light: shade. Watering: high. Soil: loose.
With watering: North coast
Photo: Taken by Fanghong, CC BY 2.5
Apple treeMalus domesticaHardy to -25 °C
Light: sun. Watering: medium. Soil: fertile.
Grows in: Above 1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Лобачев Владимир, CC BY-SA 3.0
Aulaga (Launaea arborescens)Launaea arborescensA native of the coast and arid, desert-like places, growing in disturbed scrub. Moderately salt tolerant.
Photo: Norbert Nagel, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany, CC BY-SA 3.0
Australian tree fernSphaeropteris cooperiHardy to -2 °C
Light: shade / partial shade. Watering: high. Soil: moist.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m
With watering: North coast
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0
Azores laurelLaurus azoricaVery abundant and typical of the humid laurel forest, though it withstands more exposed, sunnier sites.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Ixitixel, CC BY-SA 3.0
Balo (Plocama)Plocama pendulaDry scrub of the lowlands and coast, dry stony slopes and open ravine beds.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
Photo: Javier Sanchez Portero, CC BY-SA 3.0
BananaMusa acuminataHardy to 5 °C
Light: sun. Watering: very high. Soil: fertile.
With watering: North coast · South coast
Photo: Kurt Stüber [1], CC BY-SA 3.0
Barbusano (Apollonias)Apollonias barbujanaA laurel-forest species that grows both in humid shade under the mists and outside the forest, descending ravine slopes into warmer sites.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0
Bigleaf hydrangeaHydrangea macrophyllaHardy to -10 °C
Light: partial shade. Watering: high. Soil: acid, moist.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m
With watering: North coast · Above 1000 m
Photo: Philipp Franz von Siebold and Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini, Public domain
Bird of paradiseStrelitzia reginaeHardy to 0 °C
Light: sun. Watering: low. Soil: any well-drained.
Grows in: North coast · South coast
With watering: South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Gabriel Collares, CC BY 4.0
Bitter spurge (tabaiba amarga)Euphorbia obtusifoliaVery abundant on dry, stony ground of the low and middle zones, climbing sunny slopes above 1,000 m. Quickly colonises abandoned land.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: self, Public domain
Blood-red trumpet vineDistictis buccinatoriaA species of warm areas. Undemanding about soil as long as it drains well. Needs a sunny position.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada, CC BY 2.0
Bosea (hediondo)Bosea yervamoraA Canary endemic that likes warmth. Found at 50–1,000 m, mostly 300–500 m, on cliffs, ravine walls, slopes and old terraces. On sunny damp cliffs its branches hang 4 m or…
Photo: Marianne Perdomo, CC BY-SA 3.0
BougainvilleaBougainvillea glabraHardy to 0 °C
Light: sun. Watering: low. Soil: any.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Horacio Cambeiro, CC BY 4.0
BougainvilleaBougainvillea spectabilisGrows and flowers best in sunny places with a high average temperature. Well suited to a Mediterranean climate. Likes humid, fresh air when it is hot.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0
Cabbage tree (cordyline)Cordyline australisSuits a subtropical climate without excessive heat. Moderately cold hardy, takes full sun or partial shade. Prefers rich, well-drained soil. Tolerates the seaside and urb…
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Calla lilyZantedeschia aethiopicaHardy to -5 °C
Light: partial shade. Watering: high. Soil: moist.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m
With watering: North coast
Photo: PENFOLD, Jane Wallas (fl. 1820-1850, artist) and William Lewes Pugh GARNONS (1791-1863), Public domain
CamelliaCamellia japonicaHardy to -10 °C
Light: partial shade. Watering: medium. Soil: acid.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m
With watering: North coast
Photo: Kurt Stüber [1], CC BY-SA 3.0
Campanilla (Convolvulus fruticulosus)Convolvulus fruticulosusCool, damp coastal cliffs, crags and stony slopes, usually in spurge and juniper scrub.
Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary balm (Cedronella)Cedronella canariensisGrows wild in the laurel forest, in damp places on the higher islands.
Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary bellflowerCanarina canariensisA shade species of damp places at 300–1,000 m, mainly in thinned parts of the laurel forest.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary bindweedConvolvulus canariensisLives at 500–1,000 m in the laurel forest, twining through trunks and crowns of trees and shrubs.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Damián Esquivel Díaz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Canary broom (retamón)Teline canariensisEdges of humid laurel forest: ledges and steep slopes, scrub where the forest has been degraded, 500–1,500 m.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: A. Barra, CC BY 3.0
Canary buttercupRanunculus cortusifoliusA laurel-forest species that also grows in thermophilous sites and pine forest up to 1,500 m. Common in the dampest places.
Photo: Stickpen, Public domain
Canary cranesbillGeranium canarienseHerb communities in damp shady places of the laurel forest.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Daderot, Public domain
Canary foxgloveIsoplexis canariensisTypical of the laurel forest, growing among shrubs in cool shady spots.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: scott.zona, CC BY 2.0
Canary holly (acebiño)Ilex canariensisTypical of laurel forest, dry and humid, and of heath on ridges swept by wind and mist.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Cowyda, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary Island date palmPhoenix canariensisDry sunny slopes and ravine beds of the low and middle zones, often forming palm groves. Typical of thermophilous woodland.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Jose Mesa (Mataparda) from island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, CC BY-SA 2.0
Canary Island flatpod (codeso)Adenocarpus foliolosusEdges of laurel forest and its degraded stages, margins and clearings of pine forest, and lower cool sites on north-facing slopes.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m · South, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Canary Island pinePinus canariensisThe dominant species of Canary pine forests; on Tenerife it forms large stands at 1,200–2,000 m, occurs higher and descends almost to the coast, as around Icod.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary Island spurge (cardón)Euphorbia canariensisCommon in dry sunny places of the lowlands: rocky slopes, cliffs and lava fields. Does not cope well with humid air.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary ivyHedera canariensisTypical of the laurel forest, always in shady, damp spots, climbing trunks and rocks or covering the forest floor.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Bernd Sauerwein, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary juniper (sabina)Juniperus turbinata subsp. canariensisTypical of mid-elevation thermophilous woodland on fairly deep soil, on cliffs and slopes; can descend lower, especially in the north of the island.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Xemenendura, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary lavenderLavandula canariensisStony slopes and cliffs in dry sunny places, 200–800 m.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: S. Rae from Scotland, UK, CC BY 2.0
Canary maytenus (peralillo)Maytenus canariensisTypical of mid-elevation thermophilous woodland, in ravines and on slopes, 200–1,000 m.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary rock rose (amagante)Cistus symphytifoliusVery common in pine and other forests of the islands at 800–1,800 m.
Grows in: South, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: A. Barra, CC BY-SA 4.0
Canary sageSalvia canariensisA drought-loving species of stony lowland slopes; on dry south-facing slopes it climbs to 1,000 m.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Tigerente, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary sarsaparillaSmilax canariensisLives inside the laurel forest, where it finds the shade and moisture it needs.
Photo: Ixitixel, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary sorrel (vinagrera)Rumex lunariaVery abundant in scrub on dry sunny slopes of the low and middle zones. Also found on shady road banks.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Nanosanchez, Public domain
Canary sow-thistleSonchus canariensisDry sunny slopes and cliffs, in scrub at 300–600 m and above.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Felorodriguez, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary St John's wortHypericum canarienseTypical of thermophilous scrub in the middle zones of the islands.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Eric in SF, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary strawberry tree (madroño)Arbutus canariensisTypical of dry laurel forest, preferring steep sunny sites on ridges and slopes, 600–1,200 m.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Meneerke bloem, CC BY-SA 4.0
Canary tamariskTamarix canariensisA salt-loving coastal species of beaches, ravine mouths and cliffs. Stands up well to sea spray.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
Photo: Xemenendura, CC BY 3.0
Canary tree mallow (Navaea)Navaea phoeniceaRocky slopes, cliffs and inaccessible crags in the thermophilous woodland belt.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Kurt Stüber [1], CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary viburnum (follao)Viburnum rigidumA typical shrub of the laurel forest, 400–1,200 m.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Public domain
Canary wallflowerErysimum bicolorLocally common at 300–1,000 m, especially in thermophilous vegetation and degraded laurel forest.
Photo: Engeser, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary wild olive (acebuche)Olea cerasiformisTypical of mid-elevation thermophilous woodland: ravines, slopes and dry sunny cliffs, 200–600 m.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Canary withania (orobal)Withania aristataRanges from the coast to thermophilous woodland, 0–600 m, in ravines, scree and foothills with moist, nitrogen-rich soil.
Photo: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0
Canary wormwood (incienso)Artemisia thusculaCommon and typical in dry scrub of the low and middle zones.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Gabriele Kothe-Heinrich, CC BY-SA 3.0
Candelabra aloeAloe arborescensA South African species introduced to Tenerife, La Palma and Gran Canaria.
Photo: Katharine Saunders (1824-1901), Public domain
Cape honeysuckleTecomaria capensisA species of warm places.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0
Cardoncillo (Ceropegia dichotoma)Ceropegia dichotomaLocally common on Tenerife's north coast up to 500 m and on the southern shore, in spurge scrub on dry sunny slopes and rocks.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
Photo: Engeser, CC BY-SA 4.0
Cardoncillo (Ceropegia fusca)Ceropegia fuscaTypical of dry, hot rocky places in the south of the island.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
Photo: William Turner Thiselton-Dyer (1843-1928), Public domain
Carob treeCeratonia siliquaA typical Mediterranean tree, naturalised on almost every island. Likes warmth and sun, tolerates drought well, is sensitive to cold. Found near the coast and in ravine b…
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Chahorra (Sideritis dendro-chahorra)Sideritis dendro-chahorraCommon on dry sunny cliffs and slopes, 150–900 m, in tall spurge scrub and thermophilous woodland.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Flocci Nivis, CC BY 4.0
Chahorra (Sideritis macrostachya)Sideritis macrostachyaCliffs and rocky slopes in the laurel forest belt.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Gabriele Kothe-Heinrich, CC BY-SA 3.0
Cherry plumPrunus cerasiferaWithstands a wide range of climates, warm and cold. With enough moisture it accepts poor and chalky soils.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Cherry treePrunus aviumHardy to -20 °C
Light: sun. Watering: medium. Soil: deep.
Grows in: Above 1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: MPF, CC BY 2.5
Chinese silver grassMiscanthus sinensisHardy to -20 °C
Light: sun. Watering: medium. Soil: any.
With watering: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Miya.m, CC BY-SA 3.0
Climbing butcher's broom (Semele)Semele androgynaTypical of the laurel forest, generally at 400–1,200 m. Common in many Canary forests but needs good-quality habitat.
Photo: Tigerente, CC BY-SA 3.0
Clivia (bush lily)Clivia miniataTemperate climate, partial or full shade with good light. Undemanding about soil; needs permeable garden earth. Likes plenty of moisture, especially in summer, yet tolera…
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Raul654, CC BY-SA 3.0
Cockspur coral treeErythrina crista–galliWarm climate; cannot take frost or strong wind and needs full sun. Moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates urban pollution.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Pablo Bombín, CC0
Common myrtleMyrtus communisNative to southern Europe and North Africa.
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0
Cornical (Periploca laevigata)Periploca laevigataVery common in dry scrub on dry sunny sites in the low and middle zones. Typical of spurge scrub.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Nanosanchez, Public domain
Corona de la Reina (Gonospermum)Gonospermum fruticosumSpurge scrub, thermophilous woodland and dry laurel forest.
Photo: Daderot, Public domain
Corregüela (Convolvulus perraudieri)Convolvulus perraudieriEndemic to the central islands, in semi-dry formations of the southern sectors. A rare species in need of protection.
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 3.0
Cotton lavenderSantolina chamaecyparissusNative to southern Europe. Grows on clay or stony hills and slopes.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Dama (Parolinia intermedia)Parolinia intermediaDry sunny clay-and-stone slopes, old basalts and recent lava fields, 50–400 m in the west and south-west of the island.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
Photo: Daderot, CC0
Dragon treeDracaena dracoCliffs and coastal crags, and steep mid-elevation slopes. Typical of thermophilous woodland.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Espinero (Rhamnus crenulata)Rhamnus crenulataA Canary endemic typical of thermophilous scrub and groves on slopes at 300–600 m and of spurge scrub, often sheltering inside large spurges.
Photo: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0
Faya (firetree)Morella fayaA typical, tough species of the laurel forest, both mature and degraded; also found in mixed pine forest.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m · South, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
FigFicus caricaHardy to -8 °C
Light: sun. Watering: low. Soil: any.
Grows in: South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · South coast
Photo: User:Kilom691, CC BY-SA 3.0
Fine broom (Spartocytisus filipes)Spartocytisus filipesLives on steep ravine walls in the low and middle mountains, 200–500 m.
Photo: Sten Porse, CC BY-SA 3.0
Flame treeDelonix regiaHardy to 3 °C
Light: sun. Watering: low. Soil: well drained.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
Photo: Robin Taylor from Bamako, Mali, CC BY 2.0
Flame vinePyrostegia venustaA tropical or subtropical plant of warm places. Undemanding about soil, preferably fertile, moist and well drained. Needs sun.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Sica, CC BY-SA 3.0
Fountain grassPennisetum alopecuroidesHardy to -10 °C
Light: sun. Watering: low. Soil: any.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Daderot, Public domain
Foxtail agaveAgave attenuataHardy to 0 °C
Light: sun / partial shade. Watering: very low. Soil: well drained.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0
FrangipaniPlumeria rubraHardy to 5 °C
Light: sun. Watering: low. Soil: well drained.
Grows in: North coast · South coast
Photo: Shah Emtiaj, CC BY-SA 4.0
FuchsiaFuchsia magellanicaHardy to -5 °C
Light: partial shade. Watering: high. Soil: fertile.
With watering: North, 300–1000 m · North coast
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
GeraniumPelargonium zonaleHardy to 0 °C
Light: sun. Watering: low. Soil: any.
Grows in: North coast · South coast · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Peter Warren, CC0
Geranium (Pelargonium)Pelargonium xA very tough plant that needs full sun and warmth. Slightly acid, well-drained soil.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Shelagh Fritz, Public domain
Globe daisy (Globularia salicina)Globularia salicinaCommon on dry sunny stony slopes, 200–800 m, mainly in thermophilous scrub.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0
Golden Leyland cypressCupressus leylandiiHardy to -15 °C
Light: sun. Watering: medium. Soil: any.
With watering: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0
GrapevineVitis viniferaHardy to -15 °C
Light: sun. Watering: low. Soil: poor, volcanic.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, Public domain
Green heath (tejo)Erica scopariaShares habitat with tree-heath woodland on ridges exposed to humid winds; abundant at the upper limit of the laurel forest.
Photo: naturalezafrague, CC BY-SA 2.0
Guaydil (tree bindweed)Convolvus floridusVery common on dry sunny slopes of the low and middle zones, 200–600 m, in spurge scrub and thermophilous shrubland.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Michael Wolf, CC BY-SA 3.0
HibiscusHibiscus rosa-sinensisHardy to 2 °C
Light: sun. Watering: medium. Soil: fertile.
Grows in: North coast
With watering: South coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0
Hija (Portugal laurel)Prunus lusitanica subsp. hixaTypical of the dampest, shadiest parts of the laurel forest.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Sten Porse, CC BY-SA 3.0
Indian shot (canna)Canna indicaPrefers soil rich in organic matter and well watered. Sun or partial shade, warm and sheltered. Frost tender.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: El Denis Conrado, en Universidade Federal de Lavras, Brazilo., CC BY-SA 3.0
Italian cypressCupressus sempervirensNeeds a mild, temperate climate without hard frost. Withstands drought very well.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Wojsyl, CC BY-SA 3.0
JasmineJasminum officinaleHardy to -8 °C
Light: sun / partial shade. Watering: medium. Soil: any.
With watering: North coast · North, 300–1000 m · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Botanical Magazine, Public domain
Jocama (Teucrium heterophyllum)Teucrium heterophyllumA drought-tolerant shrub of dry sunny slopes in the low and middle zones.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0
LantanaLantana camaraHardy to 0 °C
Light: sun. Watering: low. Soil: any.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
With watering: South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Bois, D.; Frederick Warne (Firm); Herincq, B.; Step, Edward; Watson, William, Public domain
Large-leaved St John's wortHypericum grandifoliumCommon in the humid zones of the islands, mainly in laurel forest and mixed pine forest.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Tigerente, CC BY-SA 3.0
LavenderLavandula angustifoliaHardy to -15 °C
Light: sun. Watering: low. Soil: poor, well drained.
Grows in: South, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, Public domain
Lemon daylilyHemerocallis lilioasphodelusTemperate climates. Full sun or partial shade, never arid, very exposed sites. Very frost hardy. Grows in any soil that stays fairly moist, except poorly drained clay.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Paolo Costa Baldi, CC BY-SA 3.0
Lemon treeCitrus limonHardy to -2 °C
Light: sun. Watering: medium. Soil: fertile.
With watering: North coast · South, 300–1000 m · South coast · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, Public domain
Leña buena (Neochamaelea)Neochamaelea pulverulentaA species of spurge scrub and coastal shrubland below 500 m, sometimes up to 800 m. Likes dry, warm conditions, little water and free-draining soil such as lava fields. S…
Photo: Balles2601 (iNaturalist profile: Balles2601), CC BY-SA 4.0
Leñanoel (Convolvulus scoparius)Convolvulus scopariusGrows mainly in the spurge scrub zone, especially on the southern slopes of the islands, in the driest and warmest low belts.
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 3.0
Mamita (Allagopappus)Allagopappus dichotomusA drought-loving species of rocky slopes, cliffs and lava fields from sea level to 600 m.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Gabriele Kothe-Heinrich, CC BY-SA 3.0
MangoMangifera indicaHardy to 2 °C
Light: sun. Watering: medium. Soil: deep.
With watering: South coast · North coast
Photo: Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892) del. et lith. Description by John Smith (1798 - 1888), Public domain
Marmulán (Sideroxylon)Sideroxylon canariensisAn uncommon species scattered on cliffs and ravine slopes of the middle zone, in thermophilous woodland and dry laurel forest.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Damián Esquivel Díaz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mataprieta (Justicia hyssopifolia)Justicia hyssopifoliaMainly the lowlands, in spurge scrub and remnants of thermophilous vegetation, from near sea level to about 500 m. Abundant in the Teno massif.
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mocán (Visnea mocanera)Visnea mocaneraTypical of the warmer laurel forest, readily spreading beyond it.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Michael Wolf, CC BY-SA 3.0
MonsteraMonstera deliciosaHardy to 2 °C
Light: shade / partial shade. Watering: medium. Soil: fertile.
With watering: North coast · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: O Tupinólogo, CC BY 4.0
Montpellier rock roseCistus monspeliensisA small shrub 60–150 cm tall, dense, hairy, aromatic and sticky, with narrow leaves and white flowers 2–3 cm across. Flowers March to June.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: User:Xemenendura, CC BY-SA 2.1 es
Moralito (Rhamnus integrifolia)Rhamnus integrifoliaA Tenerife endemic found both in the high mountains at 2,000–2,400 m and in mid-elevation ravines of the south-east and south-west, and in dry parts of the Teno massif fr…
Photo: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0
Mount Atlas mastic tree (almácigo)Pistacia atlanticaTypical of mid-elevation thermophilous woodland, 150–500 m.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: איתן פרמן, CC BY-SA 3.0
Norfolk Island pineAraucaria heterophyllaNeeds a mild climate and dislikes frost. Grown on the coast, but does best at warm, humid mid elevations.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: brewbooks from near Seattle, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
OliveOlea europaeaHardy to -8 °C
Light: sun. Watering: low. Soil: any well-drained.
Grows in: South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · South coast
Photo: Gabriel Collares, CC BY 4.0
Orange treeCitrus sinensisHardy to -2 °C
Light: sun. Watering: medium. Soil: fertile.
With watering: North coast · South, 300–1000 m · South coast
Photo: Massimo L., Public domain
Orchid treeBauhinia variegataA tropical-climate species. Full sun, tolerates light shade. Ordinary, well-drained soil.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Miwasatoshi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Palo blanco (Picconia excelsa)Picconia excelsaTypical of the laurel forest, tolerant of varying humidity, at 600–1,000 m.
Grows in: North coast · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Solanum, CC BY-SA 3.0
Palo de sangre (Marcetella)Marcetella moquinianaCliffs and rocky slopes in the thermophilous woodland belt, 300–600 m.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Dryas, CC BY-SA 3.0
Palomera (Pericallis lanata)Pericallis lanataRocky slopes, cliffs and crags facing north across the south and west of the island, from 200 to over 1,000 m.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Gabriele Kothe-Heinrich, CC BY-SA 3.0
Panicle hydrangeaHydrangea paniculataHardy to -25 °C
Light: sun / partial shade. Watering: medium. Soil: neutral or acid.
With watering: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Hedwig Storch, CC BY-SA 3.0
PapayaCarica papayaHardy to 5 °C
Light: sun. Watering: high. Soil: fertile.
With watering: North coast · South coast
Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, Public domain
PersimmonDiospyros kakiHardy to -15 °C
Light: sun. Watering: medium. Soil: any.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m
With watering: South, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Photo taken by Fanghong, CC BY-SA 3.0
Peruvian pepper treeSchinus molleGrows in a wide range of climates, from subtropical to temperate. Suffers below 5 °C. Sun or partial shade; tolerates dry weather.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Georges Jansoone, CC BY 2.5
Pink jasmineJasminum polyanthumNative to the mountains of southern and central China. Naturalised in New Zealand and Australia, where it tends to become invasive.
Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0
PoinsettiaEuphorbia pulcherrimaWarm climate, tolerates dry spells. Needs strong light for colour but not direct sun. Accepts most soils, preferably fertile and well drained.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: André Karwath aka Aka, CC BY-SA 2.5
PomegranatePunica granatumNeeds full sun or a sheltered, very bright spot in warm-temperate climates. Permeable, fertile, deep, well-drained soil, moderately moist to dry.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Ponytail palmNolina recurvataA species of arid zones that tolerates drought. Sun or partial shade. Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Popcorn sennaCassia didymobotryaA tropical and subtropical species. Undemanding about soil, prefers good drainage in dry, sunny spots.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Gaurav_Dhwaj_Khadka, CC BY-SA 4.0
Purple spurge (Euphorbia atropurpurea)Euphorbia atropurpureaDry sunny rocky slopes, ledges and foothills in the west of the island and the Güímar valley, 200–1,200 m.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Gabriele Kothe-Heinrich, CC BY-SA 3.0
Rambling sennaSenna bicapsularisAn introduced species, naturalised in places. Grows on disturbed ground, usually roadsides and pastures at low elevations.
Photo: BreakdownDiode, CC BY-SA 3.0
Red-flowering gumEucalyptus ficifoliaNeeds a sunny position. Resistant to cold, heat and drought. Prefers heavy soils and does less well in sandy ones.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/), CC BY-SA 3.0
Reina del monte (Ixanthus)Ixanthus viscosusLaurel forest and tree-heath woodland. Favours shade and moisture: under the canopy, at the edge of clearings, where trees break the wind.
Photo: James Edward Smith and James Sowerby, Public domain
Rosalillo (Pterocephalus dumetorum)Pterocephalus dumetorumScrub near dry laurel forest, pine forest and thermophilous strips, on slopes and in ravines over a wide range of altitudes.
Photo: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0
RoseRosa chinensisHardy to -10 °C
Light: sun. Watering: medium. Soil: fertile.
With watering: North, 300–1000 m · South, 300–1000 m · North coast
Photo: Sakurai Midori, CC BY-SA 3.0
RosemarySalvia rosmarinusHardy to -10 °C
Light: sun. Watering: very low. Soil: poor, well drained.
Grows in: South, 300–1000 m · South coast · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, Public domain
RosemaryRosmarinus officinalisA Mediterranean species naturalised in the Canaries. Grows in any soil, best dry, sandy and permeable, and copes well with poor ground. From the coast to 1,500 m in dry s…
Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, Public domain
Sago palmCycas revolutaSubtropical climate with some cool-humid influence. Can live in full sun but does best in partial shade and humid air at an average of 18–21 °C.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Jdvillalobos, CC BY-SA 4.0
Salado (Schizogyne sericea)Schizogyne sericeaDrought- and salt-tolerant, very common in coastal scrub, dry sunny stony ground and lava fields.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Salvia broussonetiiSalvia broussonetiiCliffs and ravines of the Anaga and Teno massifs, dry sunny spots, 200–400 m.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
Photo: Daderot, CC0
Sanguino (Rhamnus glandulosa)Rhamnus glandulosaTypical of the laurel forest, in ravines and on shady slopes.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0
Sea grape (Coccoloba)Coccoloba uviferaA species of sandy and rocky beaches in tropical and subtropical climates. Tolerates salt but can also grow on higher, cooler ground.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
Photo: Daniel Di Palma, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sea grape (Zygophyllum fontanesii)Zygophyllum fontanesiiA coastal plant tolerant of salt and drought, strong sun and periodic flooding by sea water. Grows on rock and sand and helps hold small dunes.
Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0
Sea rosemary (Campylanthus)Campylanthus salsoloidesA Canary endemic of spurge scrub and cliff vegetation in the low and middle zones, from near sea level to 600 m. Very common on recent lava fields.
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Silky oakGrevillea robustaPrefers a warm climate in full sun or partial shade; flowers less without enough light. Tolerates most soils, the seaside, urban pollution, cold and drought.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY 2.5
Southern magnoliaMagnolia grandifloraSuffers in frost and does best in a mild, humid climate. The best specimens on the island are at mid elevations on the northern slope.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Public domain
Sow-thistle (Sonchus congestus)Sonchus congestusCliffs, mainly in the forest zone; on Tenerife's northern slope found at 150–800 m.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Nanosanchez, Public domain
Sow-thistle (Sonchus radicatus)Sonchus radicatusTypical of cliff communities on Tenerife's northern side, locally common up to 400 m.
Photo: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0
Spanish bayonet (yucca)Yucca aloifoliaA species of warm coastal areas. Prefers sun and adapts to almost any soil.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Miwasatoshi, CC BY-SA 4.0
St John's wort (Hypericum glandulosum)Hypericum glandulosumVery common at 500–1,500 m, mainly in sunny parts of laurel forest and tree-heath woodland, often on rocks and cliffs.
Photo: Patrice78500, CC BY-SA 4.0
St John's wort (Hypericum reflexum)Hypericum reflexumA cliff species at 150–1,700 m on rocky scarps of laurel and thermophilous forest, sometimes ravine edges in the spurge zone where there is moisture.
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Stemless sow-thistleSonchus acaulisOccurs in every vegetation belt, in cliff and scrub communities, especially in laurel and thermophilous forest. Common at mid elevations, on crags and even on house roofs…
Photo: Carlos munleo, CC BY-SA 3.0
Stiff bottlebrushCallistemon rigidusA species of moist places and moderately fertile soil. Can be grown in the low and middle zones of the islands.
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sweet spurge (tabaiba dulce)Euphorbia balsamiferaStony slopes, lava fields and coastal cliffs in the most arid parts of the southern slope; also in warm spots on the north coast.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
Photo: Canario1, CC BY-SA 4.0
Tagasaste (tree lucerne)Chamaecytisus proliferusFound at 400–1,800 m on slopes and ravine beds, on fairly recent volcanic soil in the Canary pine belt. Tolerates the acid soil under pine needles.
Photo: Tigerente, CC BY-SA 3.0
Tasaigo (Rubia fruticosa)Rubia fruticosaDry scrub on lava fields, ravines, slopes and cliffs of the lowlands, from 25 to over 1,000 m.
Photo: Marianne Perdomo, CC BY-SA 2.0
Teide white broomSpartocytisus supranubiusHardy to -15 °C
Light: sun. Watering: very low. Soil: poor, volcanic.
Grows in: Above 1000 m
Photo: Tigerente, CC BY-SA 3.0
Tenerife lavender (Lavandula buchii)Lavandula buchiiA Tenerife endemic of the old Anaga and Teno massifs, in dry lowland vegetation and thermophilous sites up to 600 m.
Photo: scott.zona, CC BY 2.0
Teno knapweed (Cheirolophus)Cheirolophus canariensisEndemic to the Teno massif: basalt cliffs and hard-to-reach ledges with some shade.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
Photo: Jörg Hempel, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Til (Ocotea foetens)Ocotea foetensTypical of damp, shady stream beds inside the laurel forest.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: G.-U. Tolkiehn, CC BY-SA 3.0
Tolda (Euphorbia aphylla)Euphorbia aphyllaA salt-loving species of rocks and stony slopes near the sea in the north-west of the island.
Grows in: South coast · North coast
Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0
Tree aeoniumAeonium arboreumHardy to -2 °C
Light: sun / partial shade. Watering: very low. Soil: any well-drained.
Grows in: North coast · South coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0
Tree asparagusAsparagus arborescensGrows in spurge scrub and thermophilous woodland from sea level to 800–1,000 m, best below 400 m. Often shelters among Canary Island spurge.
Photo: iNaturalist, CC0
Tree heathErica arboreaA very tough, abundant species of the laurel forest that forms heath where the forest has been degraded. Descends ravines on cool soil and joins the moister pine forests.
Grows in: North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Tree pellitory (estrelladera)Gesnouinia arboreaCliffs and slopes in the laurel forest belt, in scrub that replaces degraded forest.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0
Verode (Kleinia neriifolia)Kleinia neriifoliaVery common in dry lowland scrub, reaching 800–1,000 m on dry sunny slopes. Typical of spurge scrub.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0
Viñátigo (Persea indica)Persea indicaA characteristic species of the humid laurel forest.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Javier Sanchez Portero, CC BY-SA 3.0
Weeping figFicus benjaminaWarm climates; cannot take frost. Best in partial shade with good light. Any well-drained soil, the richer the better, with plenty of moisture. Not salt tolerant but cope…
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
White broom (retama)Retama rhodorhizoidesRocky ground and dry sunny slopes at 150–1,000 m, sometimes forming dense stands.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m
Photo: Ximenex, CC BY-SA 2.1 es
Wild jasmineJasminum odoratissimumTypical of thermophilous scrub in the low and middle zones up to the edge of the laurel forest, 400–1,000 m.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Consultaplantas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Wild orange holly (Ilex perado)Ilex perado subsp. platyphyllaTypical of the laurel forest, demanding shade and moisture.
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Photo: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0
Yellow broom (Teline osyrioides)Teline osyrioidesA cliff species of crags, steep slopes and ravine ledges, mostly north-facing, 400–1,300 m, in the thermophilous woodland belt.
Grows in: South coast · North coast · South, 300–1000 m · North, 300–1000 m
Photo: Ben Jobson (iNaturalist), CC BY 4.0