Moralito (Rhamnus integrifolia)
Rhamnus integrifolia DC. · Family: Rhamnaceae
A 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 from 400 m. A cliff dweller.
Photos
From Wikipedia
Rhamnus integrifolia, also known as moralito, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rhamnaceae.
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0: Rhamnus integrifolia
Description
A more or less compact shrub, often with a drooping habit, occasionally reaching 2 m tall. Its leaves are lanceolate, with entire margins and a pointed tip, without glands, and tend to turn yellowish before falling. The inflorescences may be axillary or terminal and consist of small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers. The fruits are purple or reddish when ripe and give the plant a very striking appearance.
Propagation and growing
This species propagates very well from seed.
Garden use
A species best suited to places that are not too arid. It grows very well in rock gardens in the mid-altitude zone (medianías). When planted within its potential natural range, maintenance watering is only needed in the early stages until the plants take root.
Protection status
Annex II of the Order of 20 February 1991 on the protection of wild flora of the Canary Islands.
Potential vegetation
Matorrales termófilos de Oleo-Ramnnetalia crenulatae casi siempre en situaciones rupícolas. También en matorrales rupícolas de las cumbres de Las Cañadas del Teide. Matorrales del Pico del Valle de Las Arenas y barranco de Chacorche. Matorrales termófilos…
Source: Cabildo de Tenerife, “Guía de especies vegetales”, CC BY. Translated from Spanish by us.
Districts
Teno · South-west · Abona · South-east · Central massif (Teide)