Tree pellitory (estrelladera)
Gesnouinia arborea (L. f.) Gaudich · Family: Urticaceae
Cliffs and slopes in the laurel forest belt, in scrub that replaces degraded forest.
Where it grows on Tenerife
Grows in: North, 300–1000 m · Above 1000 m
Zones are derived approximately from the Cabildo belts.
Photos
Description
Shrub or small tree up to 5 m tall, usually branching from the base, with arching, drooping branches and tomentose twigs. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, 5-15 cm long, pubescent, dark green, three-veined, with a slightly serrated margin and a reddish petiole. Flowers small, reddish, in drooping racemes. Flowers in spring.
Propagation and growing
Propagated by seed and cuttings. This shrub, which sometimes takes on an almost tree-like habit (up to 5 m tall and 20 cm in trunk diameter), produces countless tiny fruits containing easily germinated seeds, which give rise to fragile seedlings that must be transplanted carefully. It is a highly moisture-loving, fast-growing species that can reach up to a metre in height after a year of growing in a container. It needs very moist substrates, preferably with a neutral to acid pH. It is not usually available in native-plant nurseries.
Garden use
This member of the nettle family (Urticaceae) is interesting not only for the considerable size it sometimes reaches but also for its showy leaves and the abundant pinkish flowering it usually displays in winter and spring. It has a wide altitudinal range (600-1000 m above sea level), is extremely valuable for restoring humid ecosystems and is regarded as an indicator species of well-preserved habitats. It needs no special maintenance provided it has been planted in a shady spot with high soil moisture.
Notes
None.
Protection status
Annex II of the Order of 20 February 1991 on the protection of wild flora of the Canary Islands.
Potential vegetation
Lauro-Perseetum indicae.
Source: Cabildo de Tenerife, “Guía de especies vegetales”, CC BY. Translated from Spanish by us.
Bioclimatic belts
Warm mid-slope belt
- Thermomediterranean, subhumid, with trade-wind fog
- Thermomediterranean, humid, with trade-wind fog
Temperate belt of laurel and pine forest
- Mesomediterranean, lower, dry, with trade-wind fog
- Mesomediterranean, lower, subhumid, with trade-wind fog
- Mesomediterranean, lower, humid, with trade-wind fog
Districts
Anaga · Metropolitan area (Santa Cruz and La Laguna) · Acentejo · La Orotava Valley · Daute