Sow-thistle (Sonchus radicatus)
Sonchus radicatus Aiton · Family: Asteraceae
Typical of cliff communities on Tenerife's northern side, locally common up to 400 m.
Photos
Description
It is endemic to the island of Tenerife and belongs to the group of small shrubby species with very short woody stems and leaves in small, flat rosettes. The flower heads are 1–2 cm across and the involucral bracts do not extend onto the peduncle.
Propagation and growing
The plants are vigorous and undemanding as to soil, needing moderate but regular watering and a sunny position. They need no special maintenance, but dead leaves should be removed from time to time. They generally tolerate transplanting, but only with specific measures to avoid damaging the root ball, and they are drought-resistant.
Garden use
No information on the use and maintenance of this species was found in the literature consulted.
Notes
It occurs in the north of the island and is related to the La Gomera species Sonchus gonzalezpadronii.
Protection status
Annex II of the Order of 20 February 1991 on the protection of wild flora of the Canary Islands.
Potential vegetation
Matorrales rupícola.
Source: Cabildo de Tenerife, “Guía de especies vegetales”, CC BY. Translated from Spanish by us.
Districts
Anaga · Metropolitan area (Santa Cruz and La Laguna) · Acentejo · La Orotava Valley · Daute